SMYRNA, TN – Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are joining forces with OneGenAway to host a drive-thru mobile food pantry this weekend, providing essential groceries to those in need within the local community.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC), located at 100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E. While the distribution is planned to run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., organizers note that the event may conclude earlier if all resources have been distributed.
This initiative is designed to be accessible and low-barrier. OneGenAway operates on a "no questions asked" policy, meaning there are no qualifying questions or paperwork required to receive assistance. The pantry is prepared to serve up to 300 cars, with each household receiving a full grocery cart's worth of fresh produce, dry goods, and non-perishable staples.
For a safe and efficient experience, this event follows a strict drive-thru format:
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Stay in Vehicle: All occupants must remain inside their vehicles at all times.
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Trunk Access: Please have your trunk open and clear so volunteers can load food quickly.
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Quantity Limits: Distribution is limited to one cart per car due to high traffic volume.
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Traffic Flow: Drivers should follow the white lines on-site to navigate the route.
Volunteer parking has been designated in a specific lot near the center to keep the main thoroughfares clear for the distribution line.
- This community effort is made possible through a partnership between OneGenAway, MTE, the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC), and the Town of Smyrna.
One Generation Away, often referred to as OneGenAway, is a Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity. Founded in 2013 by Chris and Elaine Whitney, the organization works to rescue high-quality surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and caterers and redistribute it to individuals and families in need. Through large mobile food pantries and community distribution events, OneGenAway provides groceries at no cost to those facing financial hardship. According to the organization’s website, its mission is rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignity and honor. By removing barriers to access to food, the nonprofit hopes to ensure families are not forced to choose between buying groceries and paying for other necessities such as medication, utilities, or rent.
In Middle and West Tennessee alone, roughly 450,000 people struggle with food insecurity, according to regional food bank data. The problem has worsened in recent years as food prices, housing costs, and medical expenses have increased.
