About Us
Our History
Hunger First is a no-questions asked, free store founded in 1996 by Cindy Risk. She was determined to create a nonprofit that helps everybody with no judgment. Our name came from the fact when people struggle, the thought of hunger is always first. When Risk passed away in 2014 due a car wreck, her son Michael Gillis took over the organization. Hunger First is committed to serving people who have fallen through the cracks or who need help between paychecks.
Our Mission and what we do
To educate and empower the low income, no income, and homeless. We help provide food and clothing at no cost. Sometimes we help people find places to live. Sometimes we help with bills or help to obtain prescriptions
Powered through donations and volunteers
We rely solely on donations whether it is monetary, groceries, or clothing. Hunger First depends on volunteers to serve our clients. We appreciate all our donors and volunteers who are the real heroes.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Our Programs
Food Pantry and Hot meals
We provide groceries to those in need free of charge. Hunger First teams with local churches to provide hot lunches every Tuesday and Thursday.
Clothes Closet
All clothing is free to any in need.
Giving Back Program
Everybody gives to us all year long so we wanted to give back to the community as a whole. We do a haunted house, Thanksgiving meal, Christmas pizza party with Girls Inc., and Christmas with Santa in both Kingsport and Greeneville. All these program are at no cost to the community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
This is a program geared toward those who need community service either voluntary or involuntary.
Food box delivery
We deliver food boxes to those who are on disability and have nowhere else to go. We deliver to the West side, Greenwood, Americourt, Model City, and Travelers Inn.
In the News
Hunger First Receives largest donation in 20 years
The donation was made by McCoy’s Salvage Grocery and by Don and Pat Gray. McCoy’s Salvage matched the Grays’ donation, and altogether it added up to $13,620.07 in food, Gillis said. Read more from the Kingsport Times-News.
Hunger First launches website, plans homeless brunch
The nonprofit organization announced Wednesday that it has launched a website for the first time in its history. It’s also preparing to host a new event, a homeless brunch, Saturday. Read more from the Kingsport Times-News.
Area ORGANIZATIONS offer free meals to those in need this thanksgiving
Hunger First in a non-profit organization that provides clothing and food assistance to families and individuals in the Tri-Cities region. Read more at WJHL.com
Hunger First on VIP Seen Live
Two years after Founder's death, Hunger first is prospering
“My intention was to take Hunger First from where it is to something bigger, something unimaginable,” said Michael Gillis, executive director of Hunger First. Read more from the Kingsport Times-News.
Food Pantry reopens after founder's death
For 20 years Cindy Risk worked to feed and clothe people in need. She believed it was her job to help others. Read more at WCYB.com.