During Feed Fannin’s 15th anniversary this past year, they provided over 308,166 pounds of food, or 257,000 meals, to their partners.
This included growing 1,097 pounds of tomatoes, 243 pounds of corn, 521 pounds of cucumbers, 201 pounds of pole beans, 546 pounds of okra, 150 pounds of squash, 12 pounds of onions and 32 pounds of peppers.
“I have witnessed many times during the past 10 years how the Blue Ridge and Fannin County community have supported Feed Fannin’s efforts,” Vice Chair (Farm, Facilities and Education) Kathy Beck said during the organization’s annual meeting Thursday, February 13, which gave officers an opportunity to speak on the past-year’s works.
Fellow Vice Chair (Pantry and Food-Related Community Outreach) Priscilla Cashman told of partnerships with Fannin County Family Connection (FCFC), First Fruits Fannin, Snack in a Backpack and Meals on Wheels.
Monthly, approximately 30 pound boxes of food were distributed to North Court Apartments, a low-income housing facility.
Lunch and snacks were delivered to the University of North Georgia’s “Lunch in a Crunch” closet.
Boxes of food were delivered monthly to PruittHealth Hospice.
As part of their Holiday meals Campaign, they provided hams and/or turkeys to FCFC, First Fruits, the Good Samaritans Thanksgiving Open Table, North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network, Eema’s Kitchen, Mountain Education Charter High School, Faith Presbyterian Church’s Senior Ministry and North Court Apartments.
Cashman also told of collection boxes located at Blue Ridge City Hall, SouthState Bank, Bank OZK, RiverStone Medical Center and Ingles.
Through the sweat equity and buying power of Feed Fannin volunteers, 80% of the food distributed through FCFC’s food pantry was made possible by the partner organization.
Chairman Ron Ciochon pointed out that Feed Fannin was created to support the food pantry.
“At the beginning, when people went into the pantry to volunteer and give out food, they had to bring their own bag of food to give out because there was no food on the shelves,” he said.
“Today, when people walk into the pantry there, you’ll find it stocked floor to ceiling because we have created generous donors and members in our community, which answered our call.”
Treasurer Peggy Caldwell explained that the total food and pantry expenses for the year were over budget by $18,164 as a result of inflation.
However, over $60,000 was raised during the Holiday Meals Campaign, resulting in a revenue increase.
This past school year, three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to seniors of Fannin County and Copper Basin high schools, five $500 grants were awarded to Fannin County schools, and four scholarships were awarded for children to attend 4-H camps in Fannin and Polk counties.