Middle Georgia food banks prepare for rising demand amid federal shutdown

Executive director of Loaves and Fishes Janet Wright says her food bank has seen an increase in clients coming in needing food for their families since the shutdown.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Food banks across Georgia are preparing to support more families as the federal government shutdown leads into its eighth day with no solution in sight. Two federal votes failed to advance, which makes many believe the shutdown will likely last into weeks.

Kathy McCollum, President and CEO of The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, says they are ready and prepared to support all families no matter their situation. With the unknown timeline of the shutdown, many families don’t know when their next check is coming, and this is why McCollum says many her food bank is increasing their stock.  

“Well we have a great network throughout our 24-county service area,” she said. “We have over 200 partner agencies, and a lot of them are food pantries where people can get emergency groceries.”

McCollum says one in six neighbors face food insecurity even before a shutdown. 

“And for an individual family, a job loss, or a medical situation can be just as catastrophic on a household level, as a government shutdown is across many households and that’s exactly why we’re here,” she said.

Janet Wright, executive director of Loaves and Fishes, says her food bank has seen an increase in clients coming in needing food for their families since the shutdown.

“So what we have been doing is reaching out to four donors, sponsors and church partners to ask them to continue food drives so that we can be able to fill the bags for our friends, family, and those who are in need,” she said.

She says families shouldn’t be ashamed of needing help. The food banks are here to help them.  

“There are a lot of families and a lot of them don’t know where to go get help,” she said. “And being that we are publicly known, we want to continue to reach out to families and let them know that it’s okay. We’re not asking for a lot of information, just your ID to sign up for grocery bags, or if you can’t make it just come ring the doorbell and let us know. We are here and the food that is donated to us, we give back to the community.”

If you’re interested in donating to either of these food banks, you can donate money, food or clothing directly to the banks.