Fish of Knox County

Tennesee

The name FISH is derived from a Biblical-day symbol of the fish which was sometimes used as a sign of distress, a plea for help from one's neighbor:

FISH of Knox County (also known as FISH) located in Knoxville, TN is an all-volunteer organization, founded in 1972, which attempts to help those in emergency and distress situations in an unselfish, non- judgmental and giving way. FISH is non-denominational. It includes volunteers of all races and creeds and helps anyone of any race or creed. Thirty-three Knoxville community churches support FISH pantries and three FISH Hospitality Pantries (a sister agency that is community based) answer and serve daily requests for assistance. The only day of the month without pantry assistance is Sunday.

During 2024, FISH Food requests totaled over 107,000 families served, with over 259,000 people in Knox County assisted with an emergency 3-day supply of food, over 90,000 of those being children.

FISH of Knox County depends entirely on contributions from the public for its operating budget. Individual churches and/or pantries are responsible for their own fundraising needs. Contributions to the FISH of Knox County are used to pay for the FISH telephone line, postage, stationery, pantry grants, etc. In 2024, administrative and fundraising costs were 1.62 percent of total FISH of Knox County expenditures.

Contributions may be mailed to: FISH of Knox County, P.O. Box 11741, Knoxville, TN 37939-1741.

100% of Contributions are tax deductible.