It was a distressing call that came into Knox County 911 dispatch Tuesday evening.

A 78-year-old woman told the dispatcher she needed food and didn’t know who else to call.

When Knoxville Police officers arrived at her home, they found out she had been rationing the same jar of peanut butter for eight days.

The officers, Jay Williams and Jonathan Book, jumped into action. They bought the woman groceries and picked up a hot meal from KARM.

Burt Roser, KARM president and CEO, says they also sent her some bread and canned food.

“Enough meals to keep her covered for a little while, while others can go and look for help,” Roser says.

The woman, who lives in North Knoxville, told the officers she took so long to call because she didn’t want to burden anyone.

On Wednesday police put her in touch with Mobile Meals.

Judith Pelot, Mobile Meals senior nutrition manager, says it looked like the woman didn’t have much when the ice first hit last week.

“We’re going to put her on the program for an emergency basis, and then get her assessed for a permanent basis.”

Elizabeth Linam, who lives nearby, says she was shocked when she heard about the woman.

“It’s horrible,” she says.

She prides herself on cooking for anyone on the block who’s hungry. Linam says she would have brought the woman food if she knew she was in trouble.

“I think we need to get out and start checking on our neighbors in this. I would love to get out and help anybody who needs help,” she says.

Police say they’re going to make sure they have people lined up to check on the woman. Mobile Meals says they plan to bring her regular meals during this winter weather. (WVLT-TV)