McClure’s newest effort to show love for her neighbors popped up in Glass Farm this month near the corner of Glass Street and Crutchfield next to the new Save-A-Lot location. As that store is under construction this winter, McClure said she wanted to make sure that anyone in her community who was struggling and hungry could find food within reach.

McClure, 39, grew up in Chattanooga and believes in the mission of the local organization, Helping Hands, “to provide a place for people to obtain basic food items anonymously while building a sense of community amongst neighbors and changing the perception around hunger.” As a volunteer, NeTasha has helped fill the Helping Hands pantries located in the 37404 neighborhoods; but she noticed that there weren’t any pantries in 37406.

She also believes our human purpose is to help each other. So she decided to build a food pantry for her East Chattanooga neighbors.

Like most community work, it began with a spark and before she knew it, NeTasha had gathered the tools and talent to help her pull it off. She borrowed free tools from the Chattanooga Public Library’s Tool Lending Program, and, using donated wood pallets, got to work “making a mess” in her front yard.

“The library also recommended Rondell Crier, from Studio Everything, and that’s where the magic happened. Rondell and his apprentices taught me how to use the equipment, even donating the supplies,” McClure said.

Now that the Glass Street food pantry has been installed and filled with food, McClure said she will be making plans to create even more in other locations.

But that’s not all she’s creating. NeTasha has provided another kind of deeper nourishment with a homegrown project that not only inspires us, but lets everyone know that their needs are seen and supported.

Hear more from NeTasha McClure on WDEF-TV.

(photo credit: screenshot WDEF-TV interview)

Metropolitan Ministries (MetMin) have been working in Chattanooga for nearly 40 years. They provide emergency assistance on a first-come – first-served basis. The MetMin doors are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays to discuss requests for help. There are great needs all over our city so the first 35 individual requests that come to their doorstep each day are heard. Wednesdays are reserved for individuals age 62 and older.

Understanding that each person’s situation is unique, Ministry staff and volunteers recommend emergency financial assistance on a case-by-case basis.

Rent Help: available only from the 1st-15th of each month.
Electric Help: available only from the 15th-end of each month.
Food & Other Utility Help: available all month on Mon, Tues & Wed.

If you need help now please call 423-624-9650.

For complete information about services, location, and hours please visit their website.

Metropolitan Ministries
1112 McCallie Avenue
met-min.org
423-624-9650

Metropolitan Ministries has also provided the following information on local food pantries.

Local Food Pantries  

St. Elmo United Methodist Church
4626 St. Elmo Avenue
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
10am-11am

East Ridge United Methodist Church
1601 Prater Road
1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month
2pm-5pm

Pilgrim Congregational Church
400 Glenwood Drive
4th Saturday of every month
10am- to 12pm

One Accord Community Church
343 Sweetland Drive
Red Bank, TN
2nd Tuesday of each month
1:45 until food is gone

East Ridge Church of Christ
951 McBrien Road
*Furniture & Household items only
Every Tuesday
8am-2pm