Since 1992, Food City – in partnership with its customers – has conducted the annual Race Against Hunger campaign to raise funds for local non-profit hunger relief organizations.

Food City officials, including Steven C. Smith, president and chief executive officer, and Kevin Stafford, vice president of marketing, are all in. Stafford calls it “a way to help those in need right here.”

Throughout the promotion, which will run Nov. 1-28, 2023, customers wishing to donate simply select the desired dollar amount and it is added to their order total. 100% of the proceeds benefit hunger relief and charitable organizations throughout our region.

Last year’s promotion raised over a half million dollars. We presented checks for $10,446.76 to Elaine Streno of Second Harvest East Tennessee and $4,100 to David Heatherly of Mission of Hope, among others.

Vaccines available: Food City Pharmacy locations are once again providing the flu vaccine this immunization season. Seasonal flu vaccine provides protection against the most common strains of influenza. Vaccinations are available on a walk-up basis at Food City immunizing pharmacies and will continue throughout flu season, based upon vaccine availability. Visit foodcity.com for a complete list of immunizing locations.

Miss Food City pageant: The pageant to select the 2024 Miss Food City will be 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at The McGlothlin Center for the Arts at Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia. The woman chosen will represent the company at store grand openings and other special events, including the Food City 300 and Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Final Pep Rally: The pre-game Friday pep rallies to support the football Vols have been special this year. And just one remains. That’s on Friday, Oct. 13, in south Knox County at the 7608 Mountain Grove Drive Food City. The Vols host Texas A&M on Oct. 14. Come meet cheerleaders; Smokey, both dog and mascot; vendors with samples; and register to win tickets to the game.

Betsi James is special events manager for Food City’s Knoxville and Chattanooga divisions.