Eastman Credit Union donates $50K to combat local food insecurity

KINGSPORT — Eastman Credit Union has committed to donate $50,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, according to a recent release.This donation will go toward providing food resources to local communities due to the interruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers."Eastman Credit Union has always been deeply committed to the well-being of our members and the communities we serve," Kelly Price, ECU president and CEO, said in the release. "From the beginning of the government shutdown, we've stood by our federal employee members offering financial options to help alleviate stress during this disruption in pay, and we remain steadfast in that support. With food banks already stretched thin and SNAP benefits suspended, we recognize the urgency of this moment and are taking action to help ensure people in our region have access to the food they need."ECU also pledged $10,000 to the East Texas Food Bank, where the credit union operates four branches. Price said the credit union serves portions of Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.The release states ECU supports regional food pantries through donations on an "as needed basis." The credit union gave emergency funds to the Scott County Ministerial Association Food Pantry when the pantry was at risk of closure."When there is talk of a federal government shutdown, we start preparing our staff. Most shutdowns are averted, but when they are not, we're here to help our members who experience a disruption in pay," Price said in the release.According to the release, ECU also supports federal employees impacted by the shutdown by offering loan payment deferrals and providing HELP Personal Loans.For more information on the services available to federal workers, visit www.ecu.org/government-shutdown.