The Mt. Juliet Help Center did not take a summer vacation in 2026! During the months of May, June, and July, we served families through our Summer Food Program and held the annual Backpack & School Supply Giveaway, all while conducting the regular day-to-day mission of keeping families fed and utilities on.
The Summer Food Program ran for eight weeks during the period when schools were out and kids weren’t receiving breakfasts and lunches at school. Each box distributed contained four days’ worth of healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snack items, healthy while accessible to even the youngest of schoolkids. This summer, 731 boxes were distributed, a 122% increase over summer of 2025. That equaled 10,697 pounds of food that helped kids and their families have a healthier, happier summer!
Our annual Backpack & School Supply Giveaway was a huge success: 365 kids started the school year off with a fresh outlook and a backpack of their choosing! School supplies are expensive and add up fast, so we offer new, quality backpacks and school supplies tailored to each child’s school and grade supply list.
While the added summer programs were humming along, the regular mission of the Help Center continued. From May through July, 708 households (2,472 individuals) were provided with groceries and hygiene products of their choosing, ensuring that each received what they would actually use to sustain their families. In addition, 78 households were able to either avoid disconnection or have their utility services reinstated through our Emergency Utility Assistance Program. Hundreds or more were also served with free clothing for the family, food, and other items in our Help Yourself lobby.
We know the Help Center wouldn’t have the community impact that it does without the support of those who care by supporting our mission. You make these programs possible and successful, and we are beyond grateful!