High atop Monteagle Mountain in Tennessee, Morton Memorial United Methodist Church has become a vital lifeline for its community. For more than 20 years, the church has addressed hunger on the South Cumberland Plateau, growing a simple act of kindness into a thriving food mission serving hundreds of families each month.
The congregation began this mission to serve those struggling due to food insecurity in the region. We serve a wide range of those in need, including the elderly, working families and children. “We see people from all over driving up the mountain to receive food,” said Melisa Derseweh, who helps lead the ministry. The church’s location—a beautiful, yet economically diverse area—makes it uniquely positioned to serve neighbors in need while engaging its congregation in meaningful service.
What started with someone handing out leftover bakery items has grown into a full-scale operation. Families receive fresh produce, frozen meat when available, and non-perishable groceries. In 2025, Morton Memorial provided over 136,513 pounds of food to 2,919 families. During a special November midweek distribution, the church welcomed many working families with an additional opportunity to shop for food items.
This additional service was provided due to troubles with the SNAP program. Some 96 new families signed up for food on that day, bringing November’s total to 488 families served with over 31,200 pounds of food. This additional effort demonstrated both flexibility and commitment to meeting real needs.
Volunteers of all ages handle setup, organization, and distribution. “Many of our senior volunteers, for the first time, understand what it means not to have enough food,” Melisa said. “It changes them, and they become hooked on serving.” From children helping carry groceries to retirees in their 60s, 70s, and even 90s organizing produce, the ministry relies on a broad spectrum of energy, skill, and compassion. One volunteer even uses a riding lawnmower to move groceries for those unable to carry heavy loads—showing the creativity and dedication of our community.
This work received a crucial boost from ENCORE Ministry Foundation, which awarded a $5,000 Kent and Ellen McNish Food Security Grant. The funds helped Morton Memorial provide additional groceries during the November distribution. “The grant didn’t just buy food,” Melisa spoke.
“It lifted spirits, encouraged us to serve more families, and affirmed that others were walking alongside us in this ministry.” The grant also allowed the church to plan for future distributions with confidence, knowing resources were available to meet urgent needs. Distributions at Morton Memorial are about more than food—they build relationships. Volunteers and staff walk from car to car, offering conversation, prayer, and encouragement.
Many families have developed ongoing relationships with church members, sharing prayer requests and stories of daily struggles. Beyond the distributions, the church partners with Monteagle Elementary School to provide weekend food packs and collaborates with local nonprofits to address systemic challenges contributing to food insecurity.
About 70 volunteers contribute each month, with roughly half from the congregation and the other half from the broader community. Their work ensures the ministry runs smoothly from unloading trucks and sorting produce to loading groceries into vehicles. Melisa notes that the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors—particularly through the ENCORE grant—have enabled Morton Memorial to respond to growing demand without compromising sustainability.
Looking forward, Morton Memorial envisions a dedicated center for food distribution and wraparound services, allowing more families to be served consistently throughout the month. Support from grants like ENCORE’s plays a critical role in making these plans achievable.” ENCORE Ministry Foundation reminded us that our work matters,” Melisa said.
“The grant allowed us to respond boldly, responsibly, and sustainably to the growing need. It encouraged our volunteers and congregation to keep taking the next faithful steps.” Through generosity, faith, and partnerships, Morton Memorial United Methodist Church continues to feed bodies and spirits alike, showing how a committed congregation, empowered by support from organizations like ENCORE, can make a lasting difference in their community.
About ENCORE Ministry Foundation
ENCORE Ministry Foundation equips congregations to serve older adults through grants, partnerships, leadership development, and age-friendly church certifications. In 2026, 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 ">.
