Funding Increases Food Insecurity and Career Skills Support for Military Families
KNOXVILLE, TN – Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest Chapter-based military and Veteran family support organization, received a $35,000 grant for the Tennessee Chapter from Arconic Foundation. The funding will enable the Tennessee Chapter to increase member outreach throughout eastern Tennessee and support events aimed at combating food insecurity and promoting healing and career readiness.
In the 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 1 in 6 active-duty family respondents reported experiencing food insecurity; this increases to 1 in 4 enlisted family respondents. Additionally, 12% of Retired post-9/11 Veterans report that behavioral and mental health care is one of their top two unmet needs in the previous 12 months.
“Our Chapter is a trusted resource for military-connected families, both active-duty and Veteran families. Currently, the majority of our membership lives in middle Tennessee and the Fort Campbell, Kentucky, areas,” said Karissa Poe, Blue Star Families of Tennessee Executive Director. “The grant from Arconic Foundation will allow us to increase our reach to families residing in eastern Tennessee. We know that a sense of belonging is so vital to the well-being of military families, and this grant will help us amplify our impact.”
“Blue Star Families doing valuable work to strengthen connections within the military-connected community and help look out for those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our country,” added Ryan Kish, Arconic Foundation President and Treasurer. “Arconic Foundation is proud to partner with Blue Star Families to support the active-duty and Veteran families of East Tennessee.”
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About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest Chapter-based military and Veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $200 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually. For more information, click here.
About Arconic Foundation
Arconic Foundation partners with nonprofit and community organizations to enhance education through skill-building learning experiences, promote environmental sustainability, and advance social equity. Arconic Foundation is funded through an independent endowment and invests in the communities of Arconic Corporation.
Media Contact
Blue Star Families
[email protected]
(844) 202-7827, ext. 4
Posted In: Press
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