In the heart of rural Tennessee, the small congregation of Centertown United Methodist Church has long been a beacon of hope for its community. With only 70 to 80 people attending Sunday services, many might underestimate the reach of this church—but the impact of its food ministry is anything but small.
Located in a county where 15% of residents live in poverty and over 12% of seniors struggle to make ends meet, the church has become a vital lifeline for families facing food insecurity. “By the time they pay rent, utilities, and health care, there’s often nothing left for basic needs,” says Michelle Bodey, a long-time volunteer.
Centertown’s food ministry began in 2012, when church members and local school teachers noticed children arriving at school hungry. They partnered with a regional food organization, starting modestly with 15 to 20 bags of food assembled each week. Today, the ministry distributes roughly 200 boxes of food every Wednesday, serving people not only from Centertown but from surrounding counties as well.
The ministry’s volunteer base is a testament to dedication. A core team of about 12 seniors, many in their 70s and 80s, leads the effort every week, joined by occasional high school students and other members when they can. Despite their age, their energy and commitment are unwavering.
Still, challenges have persisted. Fewer food donations and rising costs made sustaining the program increasingly difficult. Delivering food to those who cannot come to the church, particularly seniors without transportation, was another hurdle. Then came a transformative moment: Centertown United Methodist Church received a Food Security Grant from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation.
The grant has been a game-changer ... It allowed us to purchase extra food and cover fuel costs for pickups. We can now provide more shelf-stable items like canned goods and flour, which helps families stock their pantries and plan meals.
“The grant has been a game-changer,” Michelle says. “It allowed us to purchase extra food and cover fuel costs for pickups. We can now provide more shelf-stable items like canned goods and flour, which helps families stock their pantries and plan meals.”
Before the grant, the church relied heavily on perishable donations—yogurt, salads, frozen meats, and yes, plenty of ice cream—most of which had to be distributed immediately. With ENCORE’s support, they can now supplement these weekly distributions with non-perishable staples, providing greater stability for those they serve.
The grant has also energized the volunteers. “Sometimes we get a little tired or burned out,” Michelle admits. “Receiving support from ENCORE Ministry Foundation reminds us that others see the work we’re doing, and it renews our excitement.” Even the church’s pastor, a senior adult herself, has felt the boost, finding encouragement in seeing their ministry recognized and supported.
The reach of Centertown’s food ministry goes beyond the items in each box. Some volunteers first came as recipients of the program, returning later to give back. Relationships have blossomed across faith lines, as one Jewish participant developed close bonds with church members. “There’s just a whole lot more to it than food,” Michelle explains. “It’s about relationships and community.”
Looking ahead, the church hopes to expand delivery services to more seniors who cannot travel, a vision made more achievable thanks to ENCORE. “Our hope is to be able to provide more food and reach more people who can’t come to us,” Michelle says.
About ENCORE Ministry Foundation
ENCORE Ministry Foundation equips congregations to serve older adults through grants, partnerships, leadership development, and age-friendly church certifications. In 2025, the foundation awarded $100,000 to 20 churches through the Kent and Ellen McNish Food Security Grant, supporting food distribution ministries for older adults facing hunger.
To learn more or support the Food Security Fund, visit encoreministry.org or contact Executive Director John Rivas at.
