Hundreds in Turner helped by mobile pantry - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Hundreds in Turner helped by mobile pantry

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By Delivrine Registre - bio | email

ASHBURN, GA (WALB) - Box by box relief was provided; handed out to many who didn't know where their next meal would come from. "Lots of people are looking for jobs. Centrapak closed down in February; so that put a lot of people out of work," said Edena Maddie.

Unemployment hit double digits at the beginning of the year in Turner County increasing to 10.6 percent in January. "We are doing the best we can with help from the ones who are working," said Maddie.

Edena Maddie became part of the assembly line that worked to feed more than 400 people in need. "I love it. I am loving it. When they told me to be here, I said whatever you need me to do, I will be there."

"We are passing out 11,500 pounds of food which are mostly USDA commodities, split breasts, canned foods and grits. Here in South Georgia, we can all use some grits," said President and CEO Brett Kirkland.

Maddie and nine others put on their working gloves and played their roles, "I am taking tickets and passing out chicken," to make sure families in Turner County wouldn't go hungry.

"They really appreciate us taking time out of our busy schedule to serve them with something that will sustain them really for about a week, week and a half," said Kirkland.

But just as the need has increased in Southwest Georgia, so has the generosity. "We've actually seen an increase in the past couple of months in individual contributions. And that is encouraging," said Kirkland.

And everyone involved hopes their smiles and hard work will help carry everyone through this recession. "We need jobs. Turner county needs jobs very badly," said Maddie. But until then Maddie says she will continue to hand out boxes.

The Food Bank of Southwest Georgia hopes to make mobile pantry deliveries to surrounding counties twice a month. Anyone interested in donating their time or resources can call 229-883-5959.

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