Hip-Hop Artist Cuatro Cinco Inspires Giving Back with Food Drive for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank
Graphic Courtesy of Cuatro Cinco
As the holiday approaches, the Chattanooga community is rallying behind the 2025 Share Your Christmas™ Food Drive, an annual initiative aimed at combating food insecurity across the Tennessee Valley and northwest Georgia. Running now through December 31st, this effort is more vital than ever, with recent estimates revealing that approximately 180,000 residents are facing hunger, including nearly 50,000 children.
For over four decades, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank has partnered with local broadcasters, businesses, and residents to provide essential resources to those in need. Last year’s campaign was a tremendous success, raising over $440,000 and collecting more than 110,000 pounds of food—enough to deliver more than 1.1 million meals. However, with the increased demand across all 20 counties served, donations are critically needed to meet the rising needs.
Local 3’s Share Your Christmas™ Food Drive offers multiple ways for the community to contribute. Donations can be made in person at participating Food City and Walmart stores, online at CHATTFOODBANK.ORG, or through a special drive-through event on December 12th from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Dalton. Food collected locally will remain in those communities to directly benefit neighbors in need.
The drive also has a strong cultural and personal dimension, highlighted by Chattanooga-based hip-hop artist Cuatro Cinco. Known for his work under Cuatro Cares, he is leveraging his music and influence to raise awareness and encourage donations. Cuatro Cinco, who experienced food insecurity firsthand as a child, has been dedicated to giving back since 2021 when he donated 50 turkeys and 5,000 pounds of food to the food bank. Now, as part of his current tour, he actively collects food and monetary donations at each show, emphasizing the importance of community support. Cuatro Cinco will also be at the Share Your Christmas Food Drive on December 12th helping collect donations.
“I believe giving is part of my purpose,” Cuatro Cinco shared. “Growing up, I received help from the food bank, and now that I can give back, I want to do my part to feed those who are struggling. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference.”
Callie Starnes, President and General Manager of Local 3, expressed her gratitude for the community’s ongoing generosity and emphasized the importance of collective effort. “It’s our privilege as local broadcasters to share stories that highlight the needs of our neighbors and to encourage everyone to join in this season of giving. Together, we can make a significant impact.”
Whether through online donations, dropping off food at a store, or participating in the drive-through event, every contribution helps ensure that no one in the Tennessee Valley goes hungry this holiday season. As Cuatro Cinco urges, “Give from your heart—you never know who might be going through something worse than you realize.”
To learn more about the Chattanooga Area Food Bank go to CHATTFOODBANK.ORG
To donate to Cuatro Cares’ efforts for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank click HERE.
To learn more about Local 3’s Share Your Christmas click HERE.
SOURCES: Local 3 / Cuatro Cares / Chattanooga Area Food Bank
