Harvest of Hope Fights Hunger with 7,600 Food Boxes in 2025
In Americus, Georgia, the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry is making a big impact this holiday season. Volunteers are tirelessly preparing about 850 food boxes to help families in need. Each box includes a frozen turkey, which is a special treat for many. The contents are diverse, featuring canned fruits and veggies, protein items like peanut butter and herring, as well as essential staples such as macaroni and cheese and rice.
This year, the pantry received over 1,000 pounds of sweet potatoes donated by the community. Food Lion is also a crucial partner, providing frozen fruits, vegetables, and meat throughout the year.
Rhonda Slocumb, a long-time volunteer and board chair, notes that the cost of turkeys has significantly increased. The price for 850 turkeys jumped from $15,000 to nearly $25,000. Thankfully, generous donations from the Mattie Marshall Foundation ($30,000) and Phoebe Hospital ($10,000), along with contributions from other local organizations, helped cover these rising costs.
Still, more support is needed. Chris Slocumb, the pantry director, reminds us that buying food staples from Second Harvest of South Georgia costs only $0.19 per pound. While community donations are the backbone of their efforts, monetary gifts are vital for purchasing bulk staples.
“Every donated item counts,” Rhonda emphasizes. The food pantry also welcomes clothing donations, particularly warm winter items like jackets and hats.
The volunteer effort is ongoing, and the pantry seeks help every Monday and Tuesday at 7 a.m. For those wishing to contribute or volunteer, your support is always appreciated.
Recent statistics show that food insecurity remains a growing concern, affecting 1 in 8 Americans. Programs like Harvest of Hope are crucial in combating this issue at the local level, demonstrating the power of community support during tough times.
For those interested, you can explore more insights on food insecurity and charitable giving in this report from Feeding America.
