Southwest Human Resources Agency kicks off Summer Meal Program in Tennessee with special guest

HENDERSON COUNTY — One non-profit agency is kicking off their Summer Meal Program and a very special guest is helping to promote the cause.

A West Tennessee community is kicking off what organizers say they hope to be one of the biggest summers yet, thousands of meals and a very recognizable face that is helping spread the word.

Every summer, when the school bell rings for the last time, several kids lose access to the one guaranteed meal of their day but the Southwest Human Resource Agency is making sure that doesn’t happen here

“It’s going to be our largest event ever. Last year we served about 630,000 and this year we have expanded into some additional West Tennessee and Middle counties, so I think were going to be in 21 counties this summer,” said Mike Smith, executive director for Southwest Human Resources Agency.

West Tennessee native and Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and today he’s here to help support the Summer Meal Program kickoff.

“It’s something that I as a person wanted to tie my name to because one to bring more awareness to the great work they are doing. At the end of the day they are the ones out here boots on the ground serving our community and bettering our community and what better portion than you can do to correct is our children,” said Smith.

Smith also had a message for the young people across West Tennessee that goes beyond a free meal.

“One take a tremendous amount of pride in where you come from. There are good people in this community that could really help you out. At the end of the day don’t let people deny you. Have a dream, have a goal you are trying to attain, create a plan and work towards it,” said Smith.

The Summer Meal Program runs from May until August across counties in West and Middle Tennessee.

The SWHRA also honored students within their Student Leadership Program. If your child is in need of assistance for food this summer, click here.

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