Loaves and Fishes of South Houston County Providing food to families in need

Back in 1993, Alvalyn Pope and a group of friends found a need to start a food bank in the city of Perry, Loaves and Fishes of South Houston County. It first began in a local church and over the years grew to have its own location today on 733 Carroll Street.

Sandy Yawn, volunteer and treasurer of the board, said the average they see a month is about 1,000 people.

“It is heartbreaking to see that many people are in need, but that’s why we are here,” said Yawn. “Today (Thursday) alone we saw 50 families in two hours. We help in several different ways through the USDA and SNAP programs, and of course our own program that helps the families and the elderly. For us, the only thing we require is picture identification.”

Yawn said how the food bank works is families who need help can come in during operating hours and they first have to be interviewed. She said even if the family’s need continues, they have to be interviewed each time. With being a nonprofit organization, they rely on donations to stay active, but Yawn said they never really have to worry.

“We raised funds by being blessed with a very generous community,” she said. “The local churches make monthly donations; several individuals and a lot of organizations help us out by collecting all year. We also receive a grant from Flint every couple of years. The post office also hosts a food drive in May and that comes to us. So again, we are very blessed by this community.”

Right across the hall of the food bank is a free library called Reading on my Mind. Yawn said Taylor and Lorie Peterson run it.

“Her daughter was competing in the Miss Georgia pageant and had to conduct a project,” said Yawn. “She decided to collect books and open a free library to the public. There is no record keeping of when people check out the books. They have been such a blessing because the families we help really enjoy it.”

Loaves and Fishes and Reading on my Mind are open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. One thing that Loaves and Fishes is in need of is volunteers. Yawn said they have volunteers but could always use more. She said they need help with conducting the interviews and packing and loading the groceries.

“Helping those in need is such a heartwarming thing,” she said. “It really is great, and we welcome all on our team here.”

For more information or if interested in volunteering, stop by the food bank or call (478) 224-3663.

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