In an effort to battle food insecurity in our community, the Women’s Ministry program at Tifton First United Methodist Church recently completed a program which helped more than 100 local families. Led by Tifton First member Gail Gibson, the women’s group delivered 233 boxes of food to families of students at Annie Bell Clark Elementary School, G.O. Bailey Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Charles Spencer Elementary School.
“We knew that after Christmas that many people would have bills, and not have much money for food,” said Gail, whose group began asking for donations for the project back in November.
She started by contacting the counselors at the schools who offered guidance in the selection of the food. The food purchases were based largely upon what the children could prepare themselves. The result was a box of 58 items that included box meals like Chicken and Tuna Helper, macaroni and cheese, sauces, soups, and crackers. Also included were jars of peanut butter and jelly and breakfast items such as granola bars and instant oatmeal with fruit.
According to Gail, each box contained $70 to $80 worth of food. The total for the 233 boxes was $7,600.
Gail was quick to point out that although this project began at Tifton First Methodist, it quickly became a community project as groups and volunteers from Tifton contributed.
“We have a generous group of people here at the church,” said Gail, who added that more than 30 people pitched in to help, including members of her garden club.
Assisting those in the community is nothing new to the Women’s Ministry program at Tifton First United Methodist Church. Last year the group rallied together to assist five local charities.
“We hope that we can do this again next year,” said Gail of the Food Insecurity Program. “We already have someone who has agreed to purchase the boxes for us.”
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