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8 0 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 9 SERVING MILLIONS OF POUNDS The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank operates not by giving food directly to those in need, but by serving nonprofits and organizations across 24 counties in Middle Georgia, who then serve smaller communities. Essentially, the Food Bank's role is to resource millions of pounds of food every year, store it correctly and distribute it to nonprofits. You can help by volunteering directly – there are opportunities to volunteer Monday- Friday – or by organizing your own food drive. Details are available at mgcfb. org/donate-food to ensure you run an effective food drive. FOOD AND MORE Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit designed to help people get back on their feet. They don't aim to just feed those who are in need of a warm meal, but they also offer showers, clothes and laundry facilities. They receive their food from a F ULL of CARE Eight organizations working to combat hunger needs in Middle Georgia BY IAN WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAVE BJORKMAN W hether you've called yourself a Maconite from birth or were adopted into the Macon community later, this home holds a special place for all of us. And while Macon has the marks of a healthy and thriving community, we do have our share of problems. Steady access to readily available food is something many of us take for granted. It seems as though the grocery store is just a short drive away, and it always has fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this is not case for everyone living in Middle Georgia. Pockets of Macon, particularly low-income neighborhoods, suffer from being located in what is termed a "food desert," or an area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. is is no small problem; county health rankings estimate that 23 percent of people in Macon-Bibb County are food-insecure. And while getting healthy food is a problem entirely unto itself, some lack the access to steady meals at all. Macon is home to many organizations that aim to help our hungry neighbors. And these organizations need your help. Read on to find out how you can connect with local groups aiding hunger needs.