Schools of FISH: Knoxville’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force

It’s been 23 years since FISH gave away its first bag of groceries in 1986.

In those days, FISH operated out of an extra room at Magnolia Methodist Church in East Knoxville. Today, FISH has spread into each corner of the city to provide food for the working class. The hunger ministry’s most identifying and most visited monument is an 8,800 sq. ft. warehouse complete with off-loading docks and 800 sq. ft. of refrigeration capabilities located on W. Scott Avenue in north Knoxville.

Couple the capabilities of the new facility with the current state of the economy and the FISH’s impact on the community has never been greater.

"Were trying to respond to the situation and provide for people. The new building came at the right time," explained Jim Wright, president and director of FISH Hospitality Pantries.

FISH is coming off of its most productive year to date. In fact, the impact that FISH had on the community in 2008 doubled from the previous year.

In 2007, FISH provided food bags for 63,660 families. The number of families FISH served in 2008 grew to 129,665.

Each food bag supplies enough food to feed a family of four for a week. "I don’t know that I would have ever imagined this," said Wright. "But we still have a long way to go."

Through the first quarter of 2009, hunger has reached more people than ever. FISH has served 1,000 more food bags per month than it served this time last year.

"The economy has forced a lot more people to seek food assistance. We’re seeing new faces every week. People come in saying, "I’ve never had to do this before but I’ve lost my job." The economy has put a new desperation on peoples faces," mentioned Wright. "We tell them to come back as often as they need to."

With a bigger demand for food comes a greater demand for volunteers at the pantry.

When asked what it would take to end hunger in the immediate area, Wright referenced an internationally recognized beacon of hope and knowledge.

"Mother Theresa of Calcutta said that the reason why people go hungry is because not enough of us are involved in dealing with the problem," said Wright. "The more people get involved the better. It takes all kinds to end hunger."

That’s where the youth of east Tennessee comes in to play.

"Schools of FISH" is the latest in a line of community service outreach programs designated to provide nutritious food to people in need. The organization is composed of ambitious high school students who are ready to join the battle to eliminate hunger in the working class of Knox County. "As more people need help, we will need more help. That’s why Schools of FISH is important...students are getting involved, and the students are the future," added Wright.

The students involved in Schools of Fish will begin by volunteering at the FISH pantries labeling cans, unloading trucks, building food packages, or handing the items out to the public.

"It’s a great way to network with other bright ambitious young adults," stated Clark Buckner, President of Schools of Fish. "It’s not just your average student organization, everyone can identify with hunger."

According to Buckner, volunteering at FISH can change a young person’s perspective.

"It’s an eye opener," he admitted. " The reason I first went was for the community service hours, but after I went my intentions changed. The folks who come into the pantry are real people, most of the time with real jobs."

The goals of Schools of FISH are to raise money, raise awareness, and give students the opportunities to be leaders, while at the same time fulfilling the community service requirements they need to get into college."

"Were trying to set a foundation by the end of May," said Buckner, who will be graduating and passing the torch to another young Samaritan at the conclusion of this year. "Our goal is to have 12 high schools with 2 solid leaders at each school by the end of this school year."

The current committee is focusing on rising seniors. Those students will then lead their schools next year and they can then pass it on to the next class.

"Students who become more aware of social problems when they’re young may contribute to their community more because of their exposure. You never know who may find a life’s work in community service...who may open their own pantry one day. For students to get inspired, it’s a hopeful thing," concluded Wright.

If you or someone you know is a high school student interested in learning more about Schools of FISH please email Clark Buckner at clarkbuck@gmail.com