116 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024
Learn how these local organizations combat hunger
and how to get or give support
BY MICHAEL W. PANNELL
F I G H T I N G F O O D
I N S E C U R I T Y
People and organizations are
discovering a variety of ways to aid
neighbors experiencing hunger. Here
is a sampling of initiatives ranging
from unique—such as children's
bicycling project that offers emergency
groceries— to traditional—such as the
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.
Each organization invites all to join in
the fight against hunger.
approximately 18% of people are
considered food insecure - surpassing
the 14% state average, Feeding America
states. One in five are children.
Thankfully, in Echols' early years, his
family received assistance. Today, he
considers it a privilege to pay it forward
through the small organization he
founded, the Melanated Community
Stimulation Project.
J
errod Echols and his family
enjoyed a fine Christmas meal,
and they enjoy the occasional
dinner out. At home, there's
plenty on the table. But that
wasn't always Echols' story.
Growing up, Echols did not
always have access to affordable,
adequate food. That's the definition
of food insecurity. In Central Georgia,
Middle Georgia Community
Food Bank directs aid across
the region. Pictured here
delivering to Backpack
Buddies. Photo by MM Staff.
