FISH of Knox County (also known as FISH) 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.
Our Mission
What we are about
FISH is a non-profit corporation. Individual churches and organizations throughout Knox County sponsor independently run programs at their respective locations.
FISH program policy is determined by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of six - twelve elected members and appointed coordinators. The Board meets quarterly on the fourth Monday of March, June, September and December, and holds their Annual Meeting on the fourth Monday of October.
The FISH phone number is 865-523-7900. The phone line is answered by FISH volunteers, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. FISH volunteers transfer the phone line to their respective churches and then deliver a three-day emergency supply of food to the addresses provided by those calling in need.
Some churches also distribute food from their premises if the clients are able to provide their own transportation. Individual churches participating in the program are responsible for providing the food they distribute.
Additional Financial Support
Individual FISH programs can request financial assistance from the FISH of Knox County Board of Directors. Grants from the Chuck Schilling Memorial Fund help provide for specific FISH pantry needs, such as the purchase of refrigerators, freezers, or the purchase of supplemental food items to be distributed through the pantry. The FISH Board of Knox County awards quarterly grants of up to $2,500 (depending on the availability of funds) to support the FISH Hospitality Pantries, member churches, and other organizations in Knox County which work to prevent hunger.