Shooting Hunger event returns to raise funds for food insecurity
CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — Tennessee agriculture and local businesses are uniting to fight hunger in our communities with the return of one event.
Friday, we visited the Carroll County Shooting Sports Park, where many gathered for a sporting clays competition, with the goal for a greater cause.
Since 2015, Shooting Hunger has helped provide more than two million meals to Tennesseans struggling with food insecurity.
“It’s critical to meet our mission,” said Andrew Melton, Regional Vice President, Agricultural Lending. “It’s a sad reality that we still have hungry Tennesseans, but it’s real.”
This is one of three Shooting Hunger events held across the state.
It’s a partnership between Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st.
After rules were set and teams were picked, the competition began.
“You’ll run around to different stations and shoot in teams of five and the high score wins,” Melton explained. “We also have youth events as well. Farm Credit and Rural 1st are providing scholarships for the youth winners as well.”
The funds raised directly benefit community hunger initiatives.
“All of this money will eventually go into a pile with two other events, and put that money into one big pile, and we will divide that amongst 95 counties, and it’ll go to school backpack programs to feed hungry kids across the State of Tennessee,” said Bryan Wright, Executive Vice President, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
Last year, every county in Tennessee received $2,700 to support local food programs thanks to the funds raised by Shooting Hunger events.
Wright also says events like these cast the industry of agriculture in great light.
The next Shooting Hunger event will be at the Nashville Gun Club on September 18.
To learn more on how you can participate or become a sponsor, click here.
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