Georgia Mountain Food Bank - "Feeding Hope" - 2026 Spring Newsletter
hopeFeeding
Hope Springs Eternal
“Hope springs eternal—it is human nature always to find fresh cause for optimism.”
As spring unfolds across our mountain communities, this sentiment feels especially true. New growth surrounds us, reminding us that even in challenging seasons, hope has a way of rising again. At Georgia Mountain Food Bank, hope is something we see—and share—every day. We fill plates with nourishing food, but more importantly, we fill them with hope. Hope for a child who can focus in school, a senior who no longer has to choose between groceries and medication, and a family working hard to regain stability.
Because of your generosity, fresh produce, dairy, and protein are reaching neighbors who need them most. Through mobile markets, partner pantries, and community programs, we are expanding access to healthy food in areas with limited options—always with dignity, respect, and choice at the center of what we do.
This spring, as hope springs eternal, we are reminded that it is sustained by people like you. Your compassion fuels our mission and strengthens our community, ensuring that no neighbor has to face hunger alone.
Thank you for being part of the reason hope continues to grow across our region. Together, we are feeding bodies, uplifting spirits, and planting seeds for a healthier tomorrow.
With gratitude and hope,
STAFF
Rebecca Thurman
Executive Director
Denise Bernardi
Volunteer Coordinator
Maria Bolivar
Administrative Assistant
Alondra Casanova
Logistics Coordinator
Jamie Cook Driver
Phil Dennis
Development Director
Ronii Diaz
Executive Assistant
Colton Donino
Business Manager
Clint Frain Driver
Rick Gilbert Food Procurement
Adrian Gonzalez Driver
Cynthia Hernandez Benefits Outreach Coordinator
Rodney Harbison
Warehouse Associate
Perla Ibarra
Mobile Pantry Coordinator
Lydia Johnson
Agency Services & Programs Coordinator
Katy Kiwanuka
Agency Services Associate
Amy Palmer Donor Outreach Coordinator
Alec Tipton
Director of Operations
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
Patricia Elliott Retired
Ari Mathe’
The Law Office of Arianne E. Mathe’ PC
John Pace
Retired
Felix Santiago Ames Taping Tools
Julie Taylor
Cadence Bank
John West
Atlanta Community Food Bank
PLANNED GIVING
Georgia Mountain Food Bank created the Food for Tomorrow Fund to give individuals the opportunity to make a lasting impact—today and for generations to come. This fund is for those who care deeply about food equity and are committed to eliminating food insecurity in our local community. When you support the Food for Tomorrow Fund, you become a member of the ’Til No One Is Hungry Society
How It Works
Members of the ’Til No One Is Hungry Society have chosen to include Georgia Mountain Food Bank in their legacy plans. Their gifts are invested in the Food for Tomorrow endowment, a perpetual fund designed to address long-term hunger needs. Through this thoughtful planning, donors ensure their commitment to nourishing neighbors continues well into the future.
Ensuring
your lasting commitment to fighting hunger continues to impact your community
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PLANNED GIVING
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Why It Matters
Your gift strengthens the endowment and increases its ability to generate earnings that support GMFB’s programs, operations, and services. These earnings allow your generosity to provide food, hope, and stability long after your lifetime—ensuring your values continue to make a difference even when you are no longer able to give or serve personally.
Ways to Give
The Food for Tomorrow Fund is supported through both immediate and planned gifts, including:
◆ Designating a cash gift to the Food for Tomorrow Fund
◆ Including GMFB in your will through a specific amount, asset, or percentage of your estate
◆ Naming GMFB as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or IRA
◆ Naming GMFB as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy
◆ Recommending an irrevocable transfer of a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to be managed by a charitable entity such as the North Georgia Community Foundation, with proceeds directed to the Food for Tomorrow Fund
◆ Establishing recurring or one-time gifts from your DAF
◆ Donating appreciated assets such as real estate, stocks, or artwork
◆ Gifting a personal residence while retaining the right to live in the home for your lifetime
To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact us at 770-534-4111, or speak with your financial advisor or attorney.
NEW PARTNER AGENCY
Georgia Mountain Food Bank is proud to welcome Because Mom Collective as our newest partner agency serving Forsyth County. Because Mom Collective is already making a meaningful impact for moms and families through their client-choice pantry, open three days a week— including Saturdays—expanding access for working families. Their model prioritizes dignity and choice, allowing neighbors to select foods that best meet their household’s needs.
As we launched our partnership, GMFB supported their efforts with a new merchandising cooler to enhance their pantry space. This addition helps increase access to fresh and refrigerated items while creating an inviting, well-organized environment for the families they serve. This partnership comes at an important time. In Forsyth County, 5.3% of children are living in
Planned giving can provide food, hope, and stability long after your lifetime.
poverty, and more than 2,100 households with children rely on SNAP benefits. Behind those numbers are families stretching every dollar and working hard to make ends meet.
GMFB remains committed to growing strong partnerships throughout Forsyth County to expand access to food and resources. Because Mom Collective strengthens that mission in a powerful way.
greens for good
Reserve June 3, 2026 to spend your day on the beautiful Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course. The challenging fairways and greens are waiting for you to conquer them while you fight hunger and give hope to our neighbors by supporting our mission. To become a tournament sponsor and/or register your foursome, scan the QR code or contact Colton at colton@gmfb.org.
Your presence at our annual Empty Bowl Luncheon will make an impact. Last year, GMFB raised enough funds to provide over 1.1 million meals to feed our neighbors in our five-county service area. For information about tickets and sponsorships, contact our Business Manager Colton Donino at colton@gmfb.org.
