Franklin nonprofit One Generation Away is upping its services in preparation for more than 690,000 Tennesseans to potentially lose their SNAP benefits. If the federal government shutdown is not resolved by Nov. 1, there will be a lapse in benefits.
Starting Nov. 4, the organization will host drive-thru food pickups at its warehouse at 320 Premier Court, Ste 218 in Franklin. This is in addition to offering free food boxes from its warehouse to furloughed federal workers. OneGenAway’s doorstep delivery service is also expanding, according to a press release. Households can register here.
In addition, Metro Nashville Police Department will distribute 200 boxes per station as part of a partnership with OneGenAway.
OneGenAway is one of several Williamson County nonprofits accepting donations and volunteers in the wake of the pending SNAP lapse.
“This is a critical moment for our community,” said Chris Whitney, founder and CEO of OneGenAway. “When thousands of families suddenly lose access to the food they depend on, we can’t wait for someone else to step in. We’re doing everything we can to fill the gap because no one should have to choose between feeding their kids and paying their bills.”
Firearm Discussion Event Set for Monday
Voices for a Safer Tennessee will host a free public event, “Addressing a Public Health Crisis: The Impact of Firearms on Our Community,” on Monday, Nov. 3.
The event will feature a panel discussion with former Senator and physician Bill Frist, pediatrician and firearm safety advocate Dr. Paige Smith and retired Brigadier General Eden Murrie, of Murrie Solutions and the former CEO of Operation Stand Down.
The discussion will be moderated by Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, with opening remarks by former state Rep. Sam Whitson and Franklin First United Methodist Church Pastor Bryan Brooks.
Panelists will discuss “local and state trends in firearm mortality, how changes in state law have affected safety and risk, evidence-based and pragmatic strategies for firearm safety, and opportunities for local engagement and advocacy.”
The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Franklin First United Methodist Church, with attendees encouraged to RSVP online here.
The non-partisan nonprofit Voices for a Safer Tennessee was founded in the wake of the 2023 Covenant School shooting and has called for increased firearm safety initiatives and responsible gun ownership.
Williamson Schools Launch Firefighter Program
Williamson County School students will soon have a designated space and career track for firefighting. Fire Management Services will be part of the innovation center set to open in August 2026.
The class will be led by a full-time Franklin firefighter and partner with the Franklin Fire Department and City of Franklin. It will offer real-world experience in preparation for certification in the field, according to a press release.
The program will also offer post-secondary opportunities, including dual-enrollment credits that can be used at Middle Tennessee State University’s fire management concentration.
"Students who take part in this program will develop leadership, teamwork and critical decision-making skills that are essential in high-pressure environments," says WCS Innovation Center Assistant Director Kris Schneider. "Whether they choose to pursue firefighting, emergency medical services or other public safety careers, these students will leave the Innovation Center with confidence and competence to make a difference."
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