GAINESVILLE, Ga.- Thanks to the community’s support, Kroger recently concluded another successful “Can Hunger” food drive, raising $55,252.01 in customer contributions for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB). Each year the grocer collects donations during November and December, with GMFB designated as the recipient of proceeds collected at stores within its five-county service area of Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin and Union counties.

Through the efficiencies of GMFB, five meals can be provided for every dollar donated, meaning Kroger’s total customer contribution has the potential to help the food bank provide 275,000 meals to those in need. The money given from Kroger’s campaign allows GMFB to secure supplies when food donations are low and to help provide nutritious filler on the “most needed items list” that are in high demand by the 70 partner agencies GMFB serves.

There are two more opportunities in the next month to participate in food drives that will benefit the Georgia Mountain Food Bank. Local Starbucks stores will hold a community food drive from April 20 to May 20. Customers may find participating locations on the Community Food Drives page of the GMFB website. Any non-perishable food items may be placed in the community food drive barrels at their Starbucks location.

The US Postal Service’s annual food drive, Stamp Out Hunger, is scheduled for May 11. Non-perishable food items may be left at mailboxes for postal pick-up and delivery to Georgia Mountain Food Bank and its partner agency Good Samaritan Food Bank. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive takes place in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America. Customers should check with local post offices for participating routes.

“There is so much good happening at the Georgia Mountain Food Bank,” said Kay Blackstock, executive director at GMFB. “Food & funds campaigns are an immense blessing in aiding the work we do to help alleviate hunger in our community. We strive to distribute the healthiest food possible, and shelf stable food such as no sugar fruits, no sugar/salt vegetables and whole grains is one of our greatest needs. Each dollar donated and each non-perishable food item provided, helps to feed the one in five Georgians and estimated 47,000 people living within our service area who are considered food insecure.”

GMFB’s mission is to address hunger, health and quality of life for those in need in north Georgia. Since 2007, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, an affiliate of the Atlanta Community Food Bank who is a member of Feeding America, has provided a vital link between sources of food supplies and hard-working, community-based partner agencies that help get the food into the hands of families and individuals in need.

To find out how you can help run a food drive or a fund drive, call GMFB at 770-534-4111 or visit gamountainfoodbank.org.