The Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB) announced this week that Cargill, Inc., a worldwide agricultural services company, which has a facility in Gainesville, will donate $50,000 to the food bank over the next two years. The financial commitment comes from the Cargill Cares Council and makes Cargill a “Stock the Shelves” Corporate Partner with the food bank.
“Our goal as the Cargill Cares Council is to strategically partner with wonderful organizations focused on improving living standards and promoting stable lives within our community,” said Christine Wages, Cargill Cares Council chairwoman. “Locally, we determined to place our focus on food and nutrition which is why GMFB was a perfect match for our efforts. In addition, we love that GMFB’s regional reach through five counties in North Georgia mirrors the regional reach of Cargill – it’s just a win-win for us all.”
Reinforcing the decision to partner with GFMB, a June report by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) indicated Georgia ranks as the seventh most food insecure state in the country. One in five Georgians is considered food insecure, meaning those persons are unsure where they will get their next meal.
In addition to the financial committment, Cargill also has committed to provide its employees with monthly volunteer opportunities through GMFB.
“Our volunteers are vital to GMFB,” said Kay Blackstock executive director at GMFB. “Last year alone volunteer hours at the Food Bank were equivalent to six full time employees. With a staff of 10 this more than doubles our capacity and extends our reach in a most efficient manner.”
Employees have already begun their volunteer efforts by painting more than 120 bowls for the food bank’s annual Empty Bowl Luncheon set for Sept. 27 at First Baptist Church Gainesville’s banquet hall.
In addition, the two groups also are exploring ways for GMFB to provide confidential food assistance to any employees of Cargill who might qualify for help.
“I love that this opportunity not only lets us ‘Stock the Shelves’ for our community, but for our employees as well,” Wages added.
Blackstock said corporate partners have a significant impact on the reach of the food bank.
“I am hoping that the partnership with Cargill will be a catalyst for other companies to get involved with our efforts,” said Blackstock. “People don’t realize how big our logistics center and food operation really is. It takes 1.2 million dollars each year to operate GMFB. In order to continue to meet budget each year, and even begin to grow our reserves to feed as many hungry people as we can, it will take continued significant support of the community.”
