SNAP Benefits
Seniors Struggle With Gap In Assistance
In our community, many seniors are doing far more than simply “retiring.” They are raising grandchildren, managing chronic health conditions, and stretching limited incomes to cover groceries, medications, housing, and unexpected emergencies. For them, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid are not political talking points—they are lifelines. More and more, we meet grandparents who have stepped into the role of full-time caregivers for their grandchildren. Due to unforeseen circumstances, these seniors are opening their homes and their hearts once again—often with little preparation and limited financial resources. Imagine living on a fixed Social Security check, only to become suddenly responsible for feeding and caring for a growing child. That’s the reality for thousands of older adults in our region. SNAP helps bridge the gap between not enough and just enough. For seniors, it ensures they don’t have to choose between a prescription and a pantry. And for grandparents raising grandchildren, it means growing kids have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein during critical developmental years. Cuts to SNAP funding would hit these households hard.
Food insecurity doesn’t just affect physical health—it impacts learning, energy, and emotional well-being.
This Is a Moment for Compassion, Not Cuts—as debates continue about federal and state budgets, we urge decision-makers to see beyond numbers and line items—to see people. To see the grandmother driving her grandson to school, then going to her dialysis appointment. To see the grandfather making soup stretch for three meals, so there’s enough for his granddaughter’s lunch tomorrow. Supporting programs like SNAP and Medicaid isn’t charity—it’s common sense. It’s common sense. It’s the kind of compassion that builds strong families and stronger communities.
If we want to care for our seniors, we must protect the systems that care for them. GMFB Benefits Outreach Coordinator, Araceli Hernandez is certified with the State of Georgia and brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to this program. In this role, she works closely with individuals and families navigating SNAP Applications, which also screens them for WIC, Medicaid, and other programs.
Rebecca Thurman
Executive Director
Denise Bernardi
Volunteer Coordinator
Alondra Casanova
Logistics Coordinator
Jamie Cook | Driver
Phil Dennis
Development Director
Ronii Diaz
Executive Assistant
Colton Donino
Business Manager
Ada Enriquez
Administrative Assistant
Clint Frain | Driver
Rick Gilbert Food Procurement
Araceli Hernandez
Benefits Outreach Coordinator
Rodney Harbison
Warehouse Associate
Perla Ibarra
Mobile Pantry Coordinator
Lydia Johnson
Agency Services Coordinator
Katy Kiwanuka
Agency Services Associate
Bobby Leverington | Driver
Amy Palmer
Donor Outreach Coordinator
Alec Tipton
Director of Operations
Danny Wilbanks Warehouse Associate
board of directors
Steven Ellis – Chair Ellis & Company
Casey Ramsey –Vice Chair Hall County Government
Randi Elliott, Secretary
Hollis Transport
Francisco Gonzalez, Treasurer Rushton & Company
Brian Bailey
Martin Furniture
Brooke Burt Forum Communications
Patricia Elliott - Retired
Ari Mathe’
The Law Office of Arianne E. Mathe’ PC
Jennifer McCall
Jennifer McCall, Attorney at Law LLC
John Pace - Retired
Felix Santiago
Ames Taping Tools
Reneigh Satterfield
Edward Jones
Julie Taylor
Cadence Bank
John West
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Suzanne Willis Willis Properties
A BIGGER Impact
1 in 8 Georgians is struggling with food insecurity. That’s more than a statistic— it’s a neighbor, a classmate, a co-worker, or a senior down the street. At GMFB our mission is to “fill the gap” for families and individuals facing hunger across Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin, and Union counties. And the truth is—we can’t do it without you.
If you’ve ever wondered HOW you could make a bigger impact in your community, the answer might be simpler than you think. It starts with sharing what you have your time, your talents, your gifts, your story
Share Your Time and Talents
Have a skill set or passion you’d like to put to work for a worthy cause? Maybe you’re great at organizing, speaking, lifting boxes, or even encouraging others. Whether you have a free afternoon or want to make volunteering a regular part of your schedule, your time is a powerful tool in the fight against hunger. We offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve. From sorting food in our warehouse to helping at mobile markets and off-site events, there’s a meaningful role for everyone. You bring the heart—we’ll provide the impact.
Share Your Gifts
Every dollar matters. Financial gifts help us to purchase and distribute food efficiently and sustainably. Through generous donations, we’ve been able to provide more than 91 million pounds of food since our founding in 2008 —and we aim to do even more. Your contributions help us extend our reach and deepen our impact. One of the most effective ways to grow your support is by becoming a monthly donor Recurring gifts provide a reliable stream of funding that helps us plan and respond quickly to urgent needs. You can also extend your legacy by incorporating planned giving into your philanthropic goals. A gift through your estate, retirement plan, or life insurance policy ensures your values continue to nourish families for years to come.
Share Your Story
more info on a Legacy Gift
Another powerful way to make a bigger impact is by telling others why you support GMFB. When you share our story with your friends, co-workers, and neighbors, you help raise awareness and inspire action. You become an advocate. Whether you repost a GMFB update, host a food drive, or you simply explain why our mission matters to you, your voice has the power to multiply your impact and rally others to join the cause.
Making a bigger impact doesn’t mean doing it all. It means doing something and doing it with heart. Together, we can fill plates — and hearts — with hope.
AGENCIES GROW
stronger
“I had the honor of attending this year’s Georgia Mountain Food Bank agency conference. There were various panels for participants to attend in order to gather knowledge and ask questions. I especially enjoyed the panel that discussed their individual food pantry models. I learned how a client-choice food pantry can work and how GMFB can assist in making the transition to that model. Another point of interest to me was the discussion around recruiting and utilization of volunteers. I appreciate how each food pantry has their own twist on how they serve their neighbors. This opened my eyes to new ideas on how to improve our food pantry for those we serve.”
—Deb Holloway, Community Helping Place
Dear Friends,
In food banking, we often say, “Hope is our inventory.” But I’ll be honest—there are days when it feels like we’re trying to balance on a seesaw during an earthquake.
Lately, the ground has been shifting more than usual. The political climate is unpredictable, administrative priorities are constantly in flux, and programs that families rely on seem to be up for debate more often than they’re strengthened. Every shift at the federal or state level sends ripples—sometimes waves—through our work. One day we’re told to prepare for expanded funding, the next we’re bracing for cuts. It’s whiplash.
And in the middle of all this instability are the people we serve—seniors, children, parents working two jobs—just trying to get through the day without going hungry. They don’t have the luxury of waiting for policy to settle. Their need is now.
What keeps us grounded is you.
Through all the chaos, our community of supporters has been our constant. You show up with compassion. You trust us with your donations, your time, your advocacy. And because of that, we keep going. We keep feeding. We keep fighting.
Georgia Mountain Food Bank hosts an Agency Partner Retreat every two years—not only to share the latest updates and innovations with our partner network, but also, and most importantly, to express our deep appreciation for our partners. This year’s event was held at Forrest Hills Resort and Conference Center in Dahlonega. “For me, this event is a heartfelt way to say thank you for the incredible work they do. It’s also a valuable opportunity for our partners to connect, collaborate, and gain inspiration from one another.”
—Lydia Johnson, GMFB Agency Services Coordinator
But I’m writing to say: we need you more than ever. These next months will be critical. We don’t know what new changes might come, but we do know that hunger doesn’t pause for politics. Your support gives us the stability we need to weather the storm—and to be a place of stability for those who have none.
Thank you for standing with us in the hard moments, not just the easy ones. This work is not just about food. It’s about justice, dignity, respect, care, and compassion.
Together, we can keep delivering all three.
With gratitude and hope,
Rebecca Thurman Executive Director
Empty Bowl Sponsorships Available
Feeding Hope Together
There is still time to join us for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank Empty Bowl Luncheon! Our signature event will take place on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, at Lanier Tech’s Ramsey Conference Center. You can make a difference by sponsoring this event, which last year raised enough to provide 1.1 million meals to feed our neighbors in our five-county service area. For more information about event tickets and sponsorships, please contact Colton Donino, Business Manager, at (770) 534-4111 or colton@gmfb.org. scan to sponsor
Help Us Stock Our Shelves
Food drive fridays
Food insecurity doesn’t take a break—and neither do we. That’s why we’re launching Food Drive Fridays, a simple way for you to help keep our shelves stocked and our community fed. Each Friday , we’re making it easy for you to drop off non-perishable food donations. No need for you to come inside or schedule a time—just drive up during business hours, place your donations in our clearly marked outdoor receptacle, and you’re done. Easy Peasy! Whether you’re headed to work or running errands, a quick stop at GMFB can make a difference for a neighbor in need.
Every can counts. Every box matters. Every act of generosity adds up to a community where no one goes hungry. Join us this Friday—and every Friday—because together, we can fill the gap.
Thank you to our Corporate Food Donors
Publix Charities, Tyson, King’s Hawaiian, Amazon, Perdue, Handsome Brook Farms, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & MPS Eggs
MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS
CANNED FRUIT (NO SUGAR ADDED)
PEANUT BUTTER (LOW SUGAR)
JELLY (LOW SUGAR)
CANNED MEALS (I.E. CHEF BOYARDEE)
CANNED MEAT (CHICKEN, TUNA, BEEF)
PASTA (WHOLE GRAIN)
CANNED SPAGHETTI SAUCE
CEREAL (LOW SUGAR)
OATMEAL
CANNED VEGETABLES (LOW SODIUM)
BROWN RICE
BLACK BEANS
Georgia Mountain Food Bank 1642 Calvary Industrial Dive SW 770-534-4111
PO Box 233 | Gainesville, GA 30503 770-534-4111 | www.gmfb.org
