On Wednesday, November 12, more than 600 people and families in our community picked up turkeys, fresh produce, and side items to help keep their pantries and refrigerators stocked for the holidays. The food giveaway was hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Peter Claver, with some financial support from Macon-Bibb County.

“We have been doing this since 2016 and started with people in our neighborhood who just walked up,” said Co-Coordinator Mary Ellen Grossnickle. “Maybe 30 people came twice a month. They would come into the social hall and get what they wanted. Over time, it grew to 60 and then just kept growing.”

This food distribution was the largest they have held to date. With volunteer help from the Mercer University Softball team, the food pantry distributed hundreds of pounds of food to people in need. This year, they were able to purchase even more food after receiving funds from the $150,000 Macon-Bibb County distributed among 11 local organizations.

“To be able to give people something fresh and healthy is a welcome change,” Grossnickle said. “We love giving canned items, but being able to provide fresh produce is even better.”

Those interested in donating food or volunteering can email stpeterclaverfoodpantry@gmail.com.