The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is leading a large-scale emergency response across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia as the federal government’s suspension of November SNAP benefits takes effect.
Serving 20 counties, the organization began ramping up operations in mid-October to cushion the impact of the government shutdown and ensure families maintain access to food. President and CEO Melissa Blevins says the Food Bank’s network of more than 200 partner agencies is working to meet surging demand.
“We were built to respond in times of crisis,” Blevins says. “This interruption in SNAP benefits is unlike anything our region has faced in years, and families are already feeling the strain.”
To strengthen food access, the Food Bank is securing and distributing 30% more food than usual, including staples, proteins and fresh produce. It has extended hours at its pantries, added mobile distribution sites in high-need areas and expanded staffing and volunteer shifts to manage the influx of clients.
The organization is also adjusting delivery schedules and allocations to keep local pantries stocked.
“Across our communities, more people are turning to food pantries for help, and the demand continues to climb,” Blevins says.
Individuals seeking assistance can use the Food Bank’s online Find Food tool for an updated list of nearby pantries and distribution sites. Community members can help by donating funds, volunteering or sharing information about available resources.
“Our mission has always been about more than food,” Blevins says. “It’s about people – our neighbors – and what we can do for each other when times get hard.”
Founded in 1972, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank coordinates food sourcing, distribution, education and advocacy to fight hunger across its 20-county service area. More at www.chattfoodbank.org.
Chattanooga Library ends late fees collection
The Chattanooga Public Library has officially gone fine-free, eliminating late fees on most borrowed materials and removing all existing fines from patron accounts.
The change, approved by the City of Chattanooga and the library board of directors, is part of a new initiative titled “Your Library. Read. De-Fined.” The campaign encourages residents to read freely without worrying about overdue fines.
“We’re catching up with the fine-free trend,” says Executive Director Will O’Hearn. “Research has shown for years that eliminating overdue fines does not negatively impact libraries. In fact, libraries who go fine free see an increase in library users, checkouts and the number of materials returned.”
O’Hearn added that any lost revenue will be offset by fundraising efforts through the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation.
The library is also offering Fine Forgiveness through June 30, 2026. Patrons can return overdue or lost items – regardless of condition – to have related fines or fees erased.
Although daily fines have been discontinued, replacement costs will still apply to items not returned or renewed within 45 days. Those costs will be waived if the items are returned within a year.
Some specialty collections, including the Adventure Library, Family Passes, Library Telescopes, Tool Library and Toy Library, will still carry a $1-per-day fine due to limited availability.
Enterprise Center to move downtown
The Enterprise Center will relocate from the Edney Building to the newly renovated Lupton Building at 1010 Georgia Avenue in November.
The move will make the city of Chattanooga’s nonprofit economic development partner an anchor tenant in the historic Stone Fort Land Company District and allow it to expand its public meeting and event offerings beginning in 2026.
The organization’s current Floor Five space hosts about 100 gatherings a month, drawing more than 14,000 participants annually. Board Chair Dan Ryan said the new location will continue The Enterprise Center’s mission of connecting residents, organizations and technology for regional growth.
Public use of Floor Five has now closed as The Enterprise Center prepares for its 2026 reopening in the Lupton Building.
Southern Adventist opens nursing simulation center
Southern Adventist University has opened its new Miller Hall Nursing Simulation Center, marking a major expansion for the School of Nursing.
After outgrowing its previous three simulation rooms in AdventHealth Hall, the program renovated neighboring Miller Hall to create a state-of-the-art training facility. The new center includes a 70-seat classroom that doubles as an obstetric simulation lab, an apartment-style setting for community and psychiatric nursing, and the Bonnie Hunt Student Lounge, named for a longtime professor.
The lower floor houses six specialized simulation labs for adult, pediatric, critical and emergency care, along with conference rooms for observation and debriefing.
Funded entirely by donations, the project still requires an additional $600,000 to cover final costs and establish an endowment. Contributions can be made at southern.edu/givenursing.
Chattanooga expands East Brainard coverage
The Chattanooga Fire Department is expanding its response capabilities in East Brainerd with the addition of Ladder 21, which went into service Oct. 31 on East Brainerd Road. The move makes Station 21 a two-company station, enhancing coverage for nearby neighborhoods and businesses.
In October, the city council approved the department’s request to purchase a $1.8 million, 107-foot Smeal ladder truck for the station. Fifteen new firefighter positions were also approved to staff the additional apparatus. Station 21 already houses an engine company and a water tanker truck.
The expansion stems from funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget amendment passed in September. Until the new ladder truck arrives, the department will operate with a reserve unit at Station 21.