Food bank director Bobbie Rooker hardly knows what to do with all the space she has these days – but she’s happily figuring it out, and hoping to fill up all those new shelves.
The Madison County Food Bank moved from the basement of the multi-purpose building on Sunset Drive in Danielsville last week to its spacious new digs inside the old U.S. Forestry Service building on Hwy. 98 West (across from Madison County EMS station 1).
“We really outgrew the space we were in several years ago when the bottom dropped out of the economy,” Rooker said. “The needs in the community really escalated.”
In January, talks began about moving the food bank to a larger space and Rooker suggested the old forestry building, which the county owns and is also close to the Department of Family and Children’s Services.
After approval from the board of commissioners, county workers installed dropped ceilings, shelving and did other renovations over a two-week period, transforming the rear section of the building into a spacious area for both perishable and non-perishable food items, as well as other basic necessities such as baby care items, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.
“They (county workers) moved everything before lunch last Tuesday,” she said. “And we had both donors and clients visit us on Wednesday.” Rooker said 11 families were served on Thursday of last week alone.
Rooker feels the new space will allow the food bank to do a better job of serving the community, not only by its size, but also its accessibility. The front of the building contains a waiting room and office, then a kitchen and bathroom area, which opens to the food storage area.
There are several freezers and refrigerators to store perishable food stuffs, including a new one that was donated by the Madison County Rotary Club through the Erwin Hardman estate. Rooker said the Rotary Club also plans to use donated funds from the estate to furnish a sign for the food bank. “I’m so excited about that,” she said. “The food bank has never had its own sign before.”
In fact, the food bank has never had its “own space,” having been a part of ACTION, Inc., and sharing its small space since it opened in 1992.
And Rooker says it will be a treat to set up the children’s Christmas program in the new space this year.
The food bank is currently serving an average of 60 – 65 families per month, although that can vary significantly. “We served 102 families in January,” she said.
Donations are accepted any time the food bank is open (see hours below) and both non-perishable and perishable food items can be donated. For example, earlier this week, a farmer brought by 55 dozen eggs.
“I’ve also already received greens from local gardens, which is wonderful,” she said. Fresh and frozen meat, as long as it is processed, can also be accepted, as can fruits and vegetables. And of course, monetary donations and donations of personal items such as soap and shampoo are also needed.
Rooker asked those bringing food donations to consider including nutritious items for children for breakfast and lunch, since they are out of school for the summer.
“Some struggle to feed their children when school is out, and Food Stamp payments don’t increase to cover that,” she said.
The food bank’s operating hours remain the same (Tuesday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.), as does the phone number (706-795-5465).
“The only thing that’s changed is our location, and I hope folks will be as happy as I am about that,” she said.
