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Puckett’s Gives Back: Free Summer Meals to Feed Nearly 4,000 Kids Across Tennessee

Issue #487

July 06, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy, high of 93 & low of 71

📰 Puckett’s Gives Back: Free Summer Meals to Feed Nearly 4,000 Kids Across Tennessee

📰 New Law in Effect: Tennessee Targets Teen Bullies with Tough Driving Penalties

👉 Why This 4th of July Weekend Is the Right Time to Get Prepared

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Puckett’s Gives Back: Free Summer Meals to Feed Nearly 4,000 Kids Across Tennessee

This summer, Puckett’s Restaurant is giving back in a big way through a new initiative called Puckett’s Love: Feed the Community, which aims to serve nearly 4,000 free meals to children across the Southeast. The program is designed to support nonprofit organizations and local parks departments near each of Puckett’s nine restaurant locations in Tennessee and Alabama during the months of June and July.

The community-focused effort includes providing breakfast and lunch for children participating in summer programs with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and local Parks & Recreation departments.

“The Puckett’s brand and our associates have been blessed by the communities we serve. I am absolutely humbled that our team members came up with this idea of loving them back through a pop-up summer meal program,” said Andy Marshall, CEO and proprietor of A. Marshall Hospitality. “Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee over the years has been so rewarding, not just to me personally but to the entire AMH team. We are thrilled and honored to help provide delicious, nutritious meals to so many children this summer, including partnerships with the parks departments in Cullman and Hendersonville.”

The family-run restaurant group estimates its donations will total nearly $40,000 in meal value across all locations. Children who participate in programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs and Parks & Recreation Departments in areas including Columbia, Franklin, Hendersonville, Chattanooga, and Cullman, will be among the recipients of these free meals.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, the safety and well-being of our youth is our top priority. Every day, we provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can thrive—physically, emotionally and socially,” said Eric Higgs, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. “Through our commitment to healthy lifestyles, we serve thousands of nutritious meals and snacks each year, especially during the summer months when many families face food insecurity. We’re especially grateful to Puckett’s Restaurant for their generous collaboration in helping us make this possible.”

Each Puckett’s location is supporting a unique local organization:

  • Chattanooga: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga

  • Columbia: Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee

  • Cullman: Cullman Parks Recreation & Sports Tourism

  • Franklin: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

  • Hendersonville: Hendersonville Parks & Recreation

  • Nashville: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

  • Pigeon Forge: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains

This isn’t A. Marshall Hospitality’s first time supporting local nonprofits. The restaurant group has a longstanding partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, previously hosting promotions and donating proceeds to support their mission. Earlier this year, Andy Marshall was honored with induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame for his ongoing support and leadership.

To learn more about Puckett’s and the A. Marshall Hospitality family of restaurants, visit www.amarshallhospitality.com.

New Law in Effect: Tennessee Targets Teen Bullies with Tough Driving Penalties

As of July 1, 2025, a new Tennessee law is in effect that penalizes minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying by suspending their driving privileges for one year. The measure, passed earlier this year with strong bipartisan support, aims to curb bullying by tying consequences to something many teens value: their ability to drive.

The law applies to cases handled in juvenile court and was designed to serve as a deterrent against harmful behavior that can lead to lasting emotional damage for victims. The suspension affects all driving privileges, though first-time offenders may be eligible for a restricted license.

The restricted license allows teens to drive to essential locations such as school, work, or religious services—but not to social events or extracurricular activities. To qualify, they must apply within 10 days of their court decision, pay a $20 application fee, pass required driving tests, and receive approval from a judge, who will define the terms of their limited driving permissions.

This new law builds on previous legislative efforts to address bullying in schools. In 2024, Tennessee lawmakers clarified definitions of bullying and cyberbullying to strengthen enforcement and help prevent youth violence and suicide.

Sponsor

Why This 4th of July Weekend Is the Right Time to Get Prepared

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If you believe in self reliance and personal responsibility… if you believe that freedom is worth defending… shop the sale today.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, July 6th

Monday, July 7th

Tuesday, July 8th

Wednesday, July 9th

Thursday, July 10th

Friday, July 11th

Saturday, July 12th

More Events Coming Soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, July 6th

Bronwen Fair, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Little Secret, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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