Harvest of Hope distributes 7,600 food boxes in 2025

Published 1:03 pm Friday, December 19, 2025

By Kathleen Calcutt for the Americus Times-Recorder

Volunteers at the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry in Americus work around the clock to prepare and distribute approximately 850 food boxes to needy families in Americus and surrounding communities in time for Christmas. Every food box includes a frozen turkey! Each box of food, valued at over $200, includes canned fruits and vegetables, protein items such as peanut butter, Louisiana spiced herring, macaroni and cheese, rice, stuffing, bread, and cereal. Recipients also receive fresh collards and sweet potatoes. Over 1,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were donated this week and sorted and packed by the volunteers. The holiday distribution also includes frozen fruits, vegetables, and meats donated by Food Lion. Food Lion donates to the food pantry throughout the year. Long-time volunteer and Chairman of the Harvest of Hope Board, Rhonda Slocumb, explained that every year the pantry includes a frozen turkey along with extra holiday fixings with all the December boxes. This year, the price of turkey went up from $15,000.00 for 850 turkeys to $24,475.00 for the same number of turkeys. Well-timed donations from the Mattie Marshall Foundation in the amount of $30,000.00, and Phoebe Hospital for $10,000.00, as well as other donations from the Sullivan Foundation and Roy Parker Foundation, helped to make up for the shortfall and fund the pantry for the start of 2026. The food pantry remains in need of monetary donations in order to keep up with the growing demand for food in our area. According to director, Chris Slocumb, the food pantry is able to purchase many food staples from Second Harvest of South Georgia at a cost of $0.19 per pound. Food donations from individuals, businesses and churches remain the backbone of the food pantry, but monetary donations are needed in order to buy the bulk staples. “Every single donated food item is desperately needed and distributed to the most needy in our community,” says Rhonda Slocumb. The food pantry also accepts clothing, donations, especially warm winter items, such as jackets, gloves, and hats.

Volunteers are also needed on a weekly basis to pack and distribute food. Monday mornings starting at 7:00 a.m. and Tuesday mornings starting at 7:00 a.m. are the busiest times. The food pantry thanks all of the volunteers and donors for their support.