Help Memphis

About Jack K.

Jack K. is an inspiring 11-year-old fifth grader at a local private school in the Memphis area. Kind-hearted and full of energy, Jack loves academics, sports, reading, theater, and even sloths.

After noticing classmates struggling with food access at school, and inspired by his family’s long tradition of giving back to the Memphis community, Jack decided to act. He hopes to place community pantries across the city and eventually expand the idea further — starting right here in Memphis.

In the News

Collierville Living – February 2026

Help Collierville: Caring Enough to Start
Collierville Living (February 2026 issue)
Released: February 4, 2026

Highlights how a young mind can tackle big issues like food insecurity right here in Shelby County. From researching the concept to partnering with local businesses like The Mercantile Off Main, Jack has shown incredible initiative and heart.

Open PDF View Image

The Daily Memphian – January 11, 2026

‘A big heart:’ Fifth-grader starts food pantry
By John Klyce, Special to The Daily Memphian
Published: January 11, 2026

“Jack Knight is one busy 11-year-old. He’s an athlete, actor and aspiring entrepreneur.

He plays soccer, tennis and basketball. He’s an actor who has portrayed Bert in “Mary Poppins,” Trunchbull in “Matilda,” and the title role in “Peter Pan.” He’s an aspiring entrepreneur, and he and his cousin sell rubber band bracelets, key chains and homemade crocheted products through their own business, Silly Art Co.

Now, Jack has made time for another activity. He recently launched his own food pantry, Help Memphis — and he has big plans for it.”

Read on Apple News Read on Daily Memphian

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income families buy the food they need for good health.¹ In Tennessee it is administered by the Department of Human Services and benefits are loaded onto an EBT card each month.¹

To qualify for SNAP in Tennessee, households generally must have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, though limits are higher for households with elderly or disabled members. Applicants must live in Tennessee and provide verification documents like ID, income proof, and residency.²³

Many Memphis families rely on SNAP, yet food insecurity still affects a large portion of our community — especially children.⁴ In Shelby County (which includes Memphis), over 140,000 people face food insecurity, including around 20% of children — that's about 46,000 kids who may not always have enough nutritious food.⁵⁴ Local organizations like the Mid-South Food Bank work hard to support families and help with SNAP outreach.⁶

Help Memphis - Pantry Initiative

Jack’s idea is simple and powerful: place small community pantries in neighborhoods, schools, and churches around Memphis. Anyone who needs food can take what they need — no questions asked. Anyone who wants to help can leave non-perishable items for others.

Inspired by the national Little Free Pantry movement,⁷ these pantries create a constant flow of giving and receiving that strengthens the whole community.

Pantry Locations and Contents

✅ First Pantry Location (Now Live):

The Mercantile Off Main
164 Washington Street
Collierville, TN 38017

“A small little gift shop filled with goodness.

Their shelves are stocked with thoughtfully made treasures from local makers—each piece chosen for its heart, quality, and story.”

Get Directions

More pantry locations will be added here as they are established. Check back often for the latest places to give or receive help.

How to Contribute

Every donation and act of kindness counts. You can:

• Drop off non-perishable food at future pantry sites
• Volunteer to build or stock a pantry
• Spread the word to friends, schools, and churches

Suggested Wish List Items

• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Pasta and rice
• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)
• Peanut butter
• Cereal and oatmeal

Have questions about donating or volunteering? Email us at info@helpmemphis.com.

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at info@helpmemphis.com.

Resources

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - TN.gov
2. Eligibility Information - TN.gov
3. Am I Eligible for SNAP in Tennessee? - Benefits Checkup
4. Feeding America - Shelby County Food Insecurity
5. More are going hungry in Shelby County. What's to blame? - WREG
6. SNAP Assistance | Mid-South Food Bank
7. Little Free Pantry Official Site
8. Memphis Commercial Appeal – “This fifth grader is working to fight food insecurity in Memphis area”
9. Collierville Living (February 2026) – “Help Collierville: Caring Enough to Start” (PDF)
10. Apple News link – Commercial Appeal announcement