ST ALEXIUS OUTREACH MINISTRIES

The Mobile Delivery Tennessee Program, operated by St. Alexius Outreach Ministries, addresses food insecurity among individuals and families in the Chattanooga area who face transportation or mobility barriers that prevent access to food distribution sites. The program prioritizes households experiencing economic, health, or mobility challenges. The program receives food assistance requests through a partnership with United Way's 211 referral system. Referrals are coordinated with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, which prepares emergency food boxes designed to provide approximately one month of nutrition for a household of four, including shelf-stable items and produce. St. Alexius Outreach Ministries delivers these boxes directly to recipients' homes within a 15 mile service area, Monday through Friday. In 2025, the program delivered 6,721 emergency food boxes, supporting food security for households facing transportation, health, and economic barriers and improving stability for vulnerable populations in the Chattanooga area. In addition to food delivery, the program expanded service to residents of a local homeless encampment, providing regular deliveries of food and basic sanitary supplies to individuals who lack access to traditional food distribution channels. These efforts increase access to essential nutrition for populations that are otherwise underserved.

The Senior Center Delivery Tennessee Program targets food insecurity and social isolation among older adults in economically distressed counties in Southeast Tennessee. The program serves seniors with limited income, transportation challenges, or reduced access to grocery stores and public benefits. St. Alexius Outreach Ministries purchases non-perishable food items from local grocery stores and assembles them into food packages, which are distributed through senior activity centers. These centers serve as accessible distribution points, providing consistent and dignified access to food. In 2025, the program distributed 3,390 food packages, improving access to nutrition, supporting social engagement, and connecting seniors to additional community resources to meet their broader needs. In addition to food distribution, Brothers maintain a regular presence at participating senior centers to visit with seniors, engage in conversation, provide companionship, and offer prayer and spiritual support as requested. Their presence fosters meaningful social interaction, reduces isolation, and promotes a sense of dignity, connection, and community among older adults.