OneGenAway Announces Support for Furloughed Federal Workers — Free Food Boxes, No Questions Asked
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — In light of the federal government shutdown and the potential furlough of employees, OneGenAway is stepping forward to support impacted workers in Middle Tennessee. Should furloughs occur, OneGenAway will provide free boxes of food — no questions — asked to any furloughed federal employee in the region. Additional details on how and when the distributions will take place will be announced should a furlough occur.
“During times of uncertainty, basic needs like food security should not be a barrier to dignity or peace of mind,” said Chris Whitney, Founder/CEO of OneGenAway. “If federal workers in Middle Tennessee lose pay temporarily, we want them to know we stand with them and will help shoulder that burden, starting with making sure they and their families don’t go hungry.”
Scope & Potential Impact in Middle Tennessee
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As of recent reporting, over 32,000 Tennesseans are federal employees across all agencies. While not all of these are in Middle Tennessee or necessarily at risk of furlough (some agencies are deemed “essential” or excepted), this gives an upper bound estimate of those who could be impacted.
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Nationally, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that up to 750,000 federal workers may be furloughed daily in a shutdown scenario.
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In Tennessee specifically, the total federal workforce (all categories) is around 32,574 employees.
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In the Nashville area, grocery prices have risen by 27% in the past year — meaning that the sudden loss of a paycheck, with no warning, can push families into immediate hardship. Federal rules also typically prohibit furloughed workers from seeking other paid employment, leaving many without options.
How It Will Work
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The food box program will be open to any furloughed federal employee whose income is interrupted due to the shutdown.
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Applicants will not be required to provide proof or endure bureaucratic hurdles; OneGen’s goal is swift, dignified relief.
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Distribution locations, schedules, and pick-up details will be released in the coming days, to align with operational readiness and volunteer planning.
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OneGen will communicate directly with affected workers and through partner organizations (e.g., federal employee associations, community groups, local media).
A Call for Collaboration
OneGen invites community partners, local government, businesses, faith institutions, and volunteers to support this effort through volunteer hours, food donations, logistical support or financial contributions. In times of crisis, cooperation magnifies impact.
Anyone in need of food assistance can find our distribution schedule at onegenaway.com. The next mobile pantry will be held Saturday and is open to anyone facing food insecurity.
About OneGenAway
One Generation Away (OneGenAway) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Franklin, Tennessee, with a mission to wipe hunger off the face of America by sharing hope, honor, and dignity through food. Founded in 2013, OneGenAway operates Mobile Food Pantries across Middle Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and beyond — providing families, veterans and seniors with a week’s worth of groceries, no questions asked. Each year, OneGen distributes millions of pounds of rescued and donated food to neighbors facing food insecurity, ensuring that fresh produce, proteins and pantry staples reach those who need them most. In 2025, the organization will give away more than 11,000,000 pounds of food.
In addition to its Mobile Food Pantry program, OneGen operates the Doorstep Pantry, a home delivery service that brings food directly to food insecure individuals and families with barriers to transportation or mobility. Together, these programs are designed to remove barriers, eliminate stigma and meet people with compassion in their moment of need.
With the support of volunteers, donors and community partners, OneGen has grown into a regional leader in hunger relief — driven by the belief that no one should go hungry, and that by working together, we can feed hope to the next generation.
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