Good Samaritan Ministries distributes food to hundreds of families

JOHNSON CITY — Good Samaritan Ministries distributed hundreds of food boxes as a part of its summer food program on Saturday. The food drive aimed at assisting families with school aged children experiencing heightened food insecurity during the summer months due to lack of free, or reduced-price school meals. Frank Flow, director of operations for the nonprofit, said with kids home for the summer, it can be more difficult for some. "We're just hoping to ease the burden just a little bit," he said. "Every little bit helps." Each box contained rice, corn, green beans, mac and cheese, ramen noodles, canned chicken, tuna and more nonperishable, easy items for multiple meals. In addition to Saturday's distribution, the organization served more than 100 hot meals Friday night in partnership with Big Boys BBQ. "We're just looking for a way in order to help families," Flow said. "Times are difficult. And sometimes being able to take away the oppression of making dinner goes a long way." In 2024, monthly grocery cost for a family of four in Washington County can cost up to $1,469, according to United for ALICE's 2026 report. "If you look at the prices in the grocery stores, the prices of everything in general, things are high," Flow said. "[For] average families, a lot of areas were getting priced out of." In June, the inflation rate for consumers was 3.5% — a decrease from the previous month at 4.2%. In addition to high prices, Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data shows a large decline in enrollments. From May 2025 to May 2026, nearly 100,000 fewer individuals received SNAP benefits, according to state data. More than 1,300 Washington County residents are included in the enrollment decline. This is largely due to changes to SNAP eligibility, benefits, program administration and funding cuts as a result of the enacting of the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Good Samaritan Ministries serves the community through its daily operations along with events such as Saturday's program. The organization will host its annual back to school bash from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. this coming Saturday at Freedom Hall where more than 2,000 backpacks will be given away including additional school supplies. Food boxes will also be distributed at the event. "Having the ability to come and be good Samaritans to the community is critical," Flow said. "If we can't do anything else, we should be able to break bread, share bread with on one another."