publix-can-donationsThanks to the community’s support, Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB) received a donation of seven pallets or 1,050 cases of food from Publix’s Easter Food for Sharing Campaign. This donation included critical shelf stable items like, macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, jelly and canned fruit & vegetables that are often the most sought after, yet difficult to regularly obtain, items for Food Banks including GMFB. The Food for Sharing program runs twice a year, at Easter and Thanksgiving, and provides an opportunity for customers and associates to purchase food recipes for those in need.

The food is then donated to local area Food Banks to share with their partner agencies and ultimately to the individuals in need. Since 2009, Publix customers have donated more than $25 million dollars in food to food banks and other nonprofit organizations.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the Publix customers and associates who generously contributed to the Food for Sharing Campaign,” says said Kay Blackstock, executive director of GMFB. “Every donation goes a long way toward helping our friends and neighbors in GMFB’s five county service area. This donation comes at a vital time as we enter the summer months when schools are out and our demand for food increases.”

GMFB’s mission is to address hunger, health and quality of life for those in need in north Georgia and they provide 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.

“Tackling hunger is a big job,” concluded Blackstock. “One in five Georgian’s are food insecure and estimated 47,000 people living within our service area are considered food insecure. I challenge you all to follow the example Publix has set by rallying your company, coworkers and friends together to make a significant impact on hunger in our own back yards.”

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 for more information.