November 21, 2025 * Issue 457

Society of St. Andrew provides tons of fresh produce with County funding

Society of St. Andrew Georgia delivered approximately 38,400 pounds of Georgia-grown potatoes and cabbage across Macon-Bibb County this week, helping provide fresh, healthy food to families facing food insecurity.

Cabbage and potatoes, currently in season for Georgia farmers, are durable, storage-friendly staples that can be easily incorporated into many familiar meals.

The nonprofit recently received some funding from the $150,000 appropriated by Macon-Bibb County to address food insecurity amid uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits and the recent federal government shutdown. A key use of the funds supported food delivery, allowing organizations without large vehicles or transportation resources to participate in distribution.

“This is exactly what these funds were meant to do — get healthy food straight into the hands of people who need it most,” Mayor Lester Miller said. “We’re grateful for partners like Society of St. Andrew and the many organizations who are out in our neighborhoods every day, doing the hard work and making a real difference for families across our community.”

To reach families countywide, Society of St. Andrew delivered produce to nine organizations at 11 locations on Monday and Tuesday, allowing for strategic coverage across most areas of the county.

“This effort successfully showed how to increase the quality of food donations using local sources, establishing a blueprint for other communities,” said Angela Partain, Georgia regional director for Society of St. Andrew. “Above all, it was a profound honor to partner with the county to put nourishing, fresh food directly into the hands of our neighbors who need it most.”

Partner organizations receiving produce included Mother’s Nest, C-QUL, U Create Macon, Loaves & Fishes Ministry of Macon, Food Is Medicine Market, CCH, Boys & Girls Club, Community Church of God, and the Brookdale Resource Center.

“We are so grateful for this delivery,” said Andrea Cooke of C-QUL. “We were able to donate and feed hundreds of families at two different locations on Monday and Tuesday. It truly takes a team, and we are grateful to be part of it.”

In addition to distribution support from Macon-Bibb County, Society of St. Andrew contributed more than 41,000 additional pounds of cabbage to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.

“This resulted in nearly 80,000 pounds of fresh food delivered to support local families facing challenges caused by SNAP disruptions as the holiday season begins,” Partain said. “We are committed to building on this foundation and expanding our network until every resident has access to healthy food.”



For more information about Society of St. Andrew and how to get involved, visit its website.

St. Peter Claver Food Pantry serves more than 600 families with food giveaway

On Wednesday, November 12, more than 600 people and families in our community picked up turkeys, fresh produce, and side items to help keep their pantries and refrigerators stocked for the holidays. The food giveaway was hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Peter Claver, with some financial support from Macon-Bibb County.

“We have been doing this since 2016 and started with people in our neighborhood who just walked up,” said Co-Coordinator Mary Ellen Grossnickle. “Maybe 30 people came twice a month. They would come into the social hall and get what they wanted. Over time, it grew to 60 and then just kept growing.”

This food distribution was the largest they have held to date. With volunteer help from the Mercer University Softball team, the food pantry distributed hundreds of pounds of food to people in need. This year, they were able to purchase even more food after receiving funds from the $150,000 Macon-Bibb County distributed among 11 local organizations.

“To be able to give people something fresh and healthy is a welcome change,” Grossnickle said. “We love giving canned items, but being able to provide fresh produce is even better.”



Those interested in donating food or volunteering can email stpeterclaverfoodpantry@gmail.com.

Making true, meaningful connections

Men’s Mental Health Meet-up Monday, November 24

Two different monthly men’s mental health meetups are continuing their joint effort to provide men the chance to share their experiences with each other and find support from within their community. About 20 men have regularly taken advantage of each of the sessions each month, which are sponsored by the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program and Macon Mental Health Matters.

This month’s Men’s Mental Health Meet-up – themed as “Mens-giving” – will be held on Monday, November 24, at Serenity Entertainment Complex (427 Poplar Street) groups from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 

“Health is our biggest flex, and we are trying to help every man live their healthiest life,” says Anthony Howard, owner of Serenity. “We want to be a sanctuary for men to come and engage, fellowship, and network.”

“This month is especially important as many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, increasing their susceptibility to sadness, irritability, low energy, and changes in sleep and appetite,” says Andrea Cooke with Macon Mental Health Matters. “With it being National Men’s Health Awareness Month, we are encouraging men to take a moment and examine where they are mentally and physically, and then to take steps to make changes that lead to long-term strength and stability."

“The reception to these meetups has been great with the numbers of guys that show up, but it’s been even more successful because of the support and assistance they receive while there,” says MVP Coordinator Jeremy Grissom. “True, meaningful connections have been made, and we’ve heard some amazing stories about how each has overcome challenges.”

Commission approves funding for counseling for victims of crime

On Tuesday, November 18, the Macon-Bibb County Commission unanimously approved the appropriation of $50,000 to the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia (FCC), which will significantly impact victims of crime in Macon-Bibb. The funding will come from interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The FCC is on track this year to serve more than 1,200 clients and provide more than 4,500 therapy sessions — about half of which are for victims of crime. This represents a 20% increase in the number of clients and a 47% increase in the number of sessions since 2024.

“Unfortunately, we are facing a nearly 50% cut to our budget heading into 2026 due to decreases in local and federal funding,” said FCC Executive Director Christy Henry. “We do not want this to equate to a 50% reduction in our ability to see clients or provide sessions. This would be extremely detrimental to the well-being of our community.”

Most of the loss in funding is related to victim services.

“We know that our victims of crime are our most vulnerable clients, and delays in access to care can have severe consequences,” said Henry.



The $50,000 from the County will help alleviate that loss. It will provide victims of crime in Macon-Bibb with free counseling without a wait, as timely care is critical, and will support budgeting through the R.I.S.E. program with the District Attorney’s Office.

Fire Department, MVP partner organization mentor Bruce Elementary students

On Thursday, November 20, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department – including Chief Shane Edwards, Deputy Chief Michael Williamson, Deputy Chief Ron Smith, and several firefighters – and community members had lunch with about 50 3^rd-5^th grade Reading Achievers at Bruce Elementary.

But this was more than just a gathering to share a meal…the Fire Department was working with The 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia to provide a different type of education for the students. They were helping them with the life and soft skills that are better learned through experiences and modeling.

Before and during lunch, students were taught table etiquette, how to network properly, the importance of a strong introduction, how to make small talk appropriately and politely, and more. All while enjoying a catered lunch from Dab’s Café and talking with the Fire Department and community members.

“We’re working with the kids in the skills they’ll need later in life,” says 100 Black Men President Garrett Williams.

The luncheon was part of The 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia’s ongoing adoption of Bruce Elementary to help provide students life skills, additional educational support, and outside opportunities. They have taken students to New Orleans, chaperoned them to different sites and events around Middle Georgia, provided literacy incentives, offered student financial literacy classes, and support the Cub Scout Pack based at the school.



“We’ve really become entwined in the DNA of this school,” adds Williams. “We work from a mentality of what you’ll see is what you’ll be, so we are trying to have a constant presence here.”

The 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia received funding from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia through the Macon Violence Prevention program to implement these programs and provide more opportunities for students.