Glasgow, KY – The Salvation Army of Kentucky & Tennessee has now completed two full days of meal service in south central Kentucky following the devastating impact of Winter Storm Fern, which left widespread icing, damaged infrastructure, and prolonged power outages across the region. Many residents in the affected counties have now been without electricity, and without heat, for five days.
To meet the growing need, The Salvation Army has expanded its deployment to six mobile kitchen units, with personnel and equipment operating from Knoxville, Sevierville, Paducah, Louisville, Hopkinsville, and Bowling Green. In partnership with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, The Salvation Army is serving hot lunches and dinners, snacks, drinks, and providing emotional and spiritual care in Allen, Monroe, and Barren counties.
Additionally, Salvation Army teams are now providing meals to electrical linemen working long hours to restore power, particularly in Allen County, where damage from falling trees and ice remains extensive.
A Story from the Field: “Let’s Walk the Meals In.”
On Thursday, Sergeant Jeff Clarke from The Salvation Army of Knoxville was operating a mobile kitchen alongside team member Michael Hobbs when they received a report about several families in the Austin Tracy area of Barren County. The families had been trapped in their homes for days due to blocked and icy roads.
Sgt. Clarke navigated their unit for several miles along narrow, winding backroads before reaching an iced-over dirt driveway leading to one of the homes. Power crews were actively working on the drive, clearing fallen trees and repairing lines.
Although the road was impassable, Sgt. Clarke was undeterred.
“Let’s package up the meals and walk them to the family!” he declared.
Sgt. Clarke and Hobbs packed 10 hot meals of pulled pork sandwiches, sealed them in bags, and carried them on foot approximately one-third of a mile over icy terrain. Linemen paused their chainsaw work to let the Salvation Army team pass.
At the home, Sgt. Clarke and Hobbs were greeted with smiles and relief. The family of four, two parents and two young boys, had been without power for days and had not seen anyone since the storm hit. The boys proudly showed Sgt. Clarke their bicycles, and one excitedly reported he had a loose tooth. The family expressed deep gratitude for the meals, drinks, and the human connection.
Clarke and Hobbs offered meals to the linemen on their way out, but the workers had arrangements elsewhere.
When Incident Commander Major Mark Hunter heard the story, he immediately thought of the parable of the shepherd leaving the flock to find the one sheep in need.
“Sometimes disaster work means taking extra steps, literally, to reach the people who feel forgotten,” said Major Hunter. “Our mission is to meet physical needs, yes, but also to support emotional and spiritual well-being. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do: to bring hope, comfort, and Christ’s love to people who need it most.”
Impact to Date (Through 2 Days of Service)
Across Allen, Monroe, and Barren counties, The Salvation Army has provided:
- 647 meals served
- 400 drinks distributed
- 163 snacks provided
- 13 emotional & spiritual care contacts
Service will continue daily, with lunch and dinner, as long as the need remains.
How the Public Can Help
The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, including hot meals, hydration, emotional and spiritual care, and support for utility workers, are possible only because of donor generosity.
The Salvation Army is deeply grateful for those who have already given, and reminds the public that financial contributions remain the most effective way to help.
Every dollar donated for disaster services goes directly to relief efforts.
Ways to Give
- Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org
- Phone: 1‑800‑SAL‑ARMY
- Mail:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 436437
Louisville, KY 40253
(Memo: January 2026 Winter Storm)
Committed for as Long as Needed
The Salvation Army of Kentucky & Tennessee will remain on the ground until every community is safe, warm, and on the path to recovery.
