Wellpoint Tennessee gives out 500 turkeys, wellness resources at Faith Promise Church

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Cars lined up outside Faith Promise Church on Saturday as Wellpoint Tennessee gave away 500 turkeys as part of a holiday push to support local families and connect them with wellness resources.

Volunteers said cars began rolling in as early as 6:30 a.m., hours before the giveaway even started. By 9 a.m., the line wrapped through the parking lot as Wellpoint Tennessee and partners like KAPA, Second Harvest, Gordon Food Services, and Faith Promise Church worked together to get families what they need heading into Thanksgiving.

“We’re looking at over 500 at least families coming through here today. We’re super grateful to be here. The rain has stopped. The sun is out. And so, we’re seeing lots of smiling faces as we greet and hand out this amazing food,” said Rob Patrick, executive director of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation.

Organizers say demand isn’t slowing down. Rising food insecurity has pushed more families to seek help, with pantries reporting “empty cart weeks” when benefits run out early and parents are forced to choose between groceries and other bills.

“There’s so many people who don’t have food on their table or healthy food. And we want to ensure that they’re able to have that and enjoy Thanksgiving with their friends and family,” said Katheryn Kranitzky, quality management director for Wellpoint Tennessee.

Beyond the turkey, families left with vegetables, canned goods, cleaning supplies and even a visit from Santa. Wellpoint says combining food assistance with wellness resources helps offer families extra relief.

“We’ve greeted every single car to let people know we’re excited they’re here. And we really just want people to know we’re here and we see them,” said Dr. Carol Price-Guthrie, IDDECF Choices director with Wellpoint.

Wellpoint Tennessee and its partnering agencies plan to continue hosting community and wellness events year-round to support families beyond the holiday rush.

For more information and resources with Wellpoint Tennessee visit, Wellpoint Tennessee.