GA Mountain Food Bank takes on the challenges | News by the lake

0


[ad_1]

Executive Director Kay Blackstock presents colorful bowls for lunch from the Empty Bowl, as well as one of the “Celebrity Bowls” that was auctioned off at the event. This bowl was the “Bone Appateet! By Jeff Foxworthy!

For some, it might be unthinkable that Georgians would go hungry, especially children. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for thousands of people. During the pandemic, food insecurity became a reality across the United States, with long lines at food distribution facilities that communicated through social media and news channels.

“The truth is, hunger was a reality long before the pandemic, but it was often hidden,” said Kay Blackstock, Founder and Executive Director of Georgia Mountain Food Bank. “The face of hunger can be a coworker, store clerk, neighbor, or a complete stranger you see in everyday life. ”

A few years ago, Blackstock was working in a building that shared space with a food bank.

“I knew the pantry, but I didn’t expect to see a well-dressed woman come in and then leave with a bag of food,” she said. “It wasn’t that she was well dressed. I just knew she was from a family that shouldn’t need food assistance. I assumed she was there to visit the ballet, symphony orchestra or junior league office.

“People make guesses and judgments about people without knowing the whole story,” she said. “The truth is, we never know what another person might be grappling with.”

The Georgia Mountain Food Bank evolved as a project of the North Georgia Community Foundation. Community meetings were held and leaders were brought together. In November 2007, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank was incorporated in Georgia. The organizers also formed a partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank at the same time. This relationship is still in place today.

Food sources and destinations

Today, the organization, which has nearly a dozen employees and an army of volunteers, distributes more than 300,000 pounds of groceries and household items, from dry and basic products to meats and fresh produce at 68 partner agencies in five counties, pantries operated by churches, senior centers, treatment and recovery centers and on school grounds.

The Georgia Mountain Food Bank also operates mobile pantries to bring food directly to residents of communities in northern Georgia. In addition, two refrigerated box trucks are on the road five days a week, picking up food from area retailers and bringing it to the 22,000 square foot warehouse for sorting.

The sorted food is then redistributed to the 68 partner agencies and used to supply the mobile pantries which are often open in the evenings or on weekends in the region’s school campuses, long-term hotels or shopping centers.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers,” says Blackstock. “Even during the pandemic, many of our volunteers, even those considered to be at high risk, continued to help. ”

For nearly nine months during the pandemic, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp brought in members of the Georgia Defense Force and the Georgia National Guard, allowing the organization to continue operating during the time of greatest need.

A forklift with box of food inside the warehouse.

Warehouse supervisor Alec Tipton moves a box of food items as operations manager Charles Johnson watches.

“The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is unique here among other food banks in Georgia because a large portion of our inventory relies on donations from the retail market,” said Blackstock. “These donations are brought back to our establishment, where they are sorted, inspected, weighed and entered into inventory. “

The process continues, with partner agencies receiving a weekly inventory email. Each partner orders the amount of food they need to serve their customers. Drop shipping is an option, while others pick up at the GMFB facility at 1642 Calvary Industrial Drive SW in Gainesville.

“GMFB receives regular shipments of salvage groceries and other resources through its partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank,” she said. “There are eight Feeding America member food banks in Georgia and most of them are part of the Georgia Food Bank Association, under the excellent leadership of Executive Director Danah Craft. “

It takes a village

It may sound trite, but it takes a village to operate effective food bank distribution centers, as well as network of pantry and mobile distribution programs.

And the processes and procedures are monitored and audited.

“We have an annual financial audit and a full operational audit every two years,” Blackstock said. “And we are regulated for health and safety when it comes to donating, handling and distributing food. The recovery of food prepared at restaurants and catering events is strictly regulated. These foods must be stored at certain temperatures; all donations are documented and recorded.

“Our food bank accepts donations of fresh food, mainly dairy and date dairy products and frozen meats,” she said. “All fresh food must be distributed quickly.

Every September, the GMFB organizes its Lunch in an empty bowl. It is the group’s only fundraising event and last year the Luncheon Funds provided more than 830,000 meals to people struggling with hunger in Hall, Lumpkin, Union, Forsyth and Dawson counties. .

This year’s virtual event, attended by nearly 1,000 people, raised $ 245,065 – enough to provide over 1.22 million meals. The organizers exceeded their target of 225,000 meals. The live auction alone raised enough funds to provide 134,250 meals.

“We also rely on financial donations from individuals, businesses and corporations to do our work,” said Blackstock. “Although this fundraiser takes place once a year, hunger occurs every day, so we rely on the community to support our mission throughout the year. ”

More than a paycheck

For many Americans, the loss of a paycheck or the occurrence of a catastrophic event could lead to hunger and even homelessness.

“In my personal experience years ago, as a single mother of three, there were times when I had to make tough choices,” Blackstock said. “My kids have never experienced food insecurity and many of the negative consequences of choosing to shop for groceries or having an unpaid utility bill.

“So many people have helped us and at the time I questioned my ability to give back everything that was given to us. I believe that working with Georgia Mountain Food Bank is my way of giving back to our family.

How you can help

“Tell the story of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, share the awareness and encourage lawmakers to advocate for programs that help families in need,” she said. “Make a financial donation: every $ 1 donated equals five meals. Give of your time.

To volunteer, contact [email protected]. To make a donation or to find out more, visit www.gamountainfoodbank.org or call 770 534-4111.

One in eight Georgians goes to bed hungry.

The Georgia Mountain Food Bank distributes an average of 300,000 pounds of food per month, to an average of 30,000 people. About 60% of the food the food bank collects comes from retail partners, such as Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi’s, Sam’s, Tyson, Performance Food Service and Sprouts Farmers Markets. 40 percent of food bought or grown in America is thrown away because of overconsumption, over-buying, spoilage or waste. This equates to 108 billion pounds of food each year going in the trash, an annual value of $ 161 billion. For every dollar donated to the organization, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank can provide five meals. Over 90 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to the organization’s programs and mission. At least one in about 70 percent of families who depend on a food bank for their regular meals work full time.

* Sources: Feeding America Network, Georgia Food Bank Association.

[ad_2]

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.