(l-r): Pastor Larry Scarboro of S.M.I.L.E. Community Development Center and Golden Harvest Food Bank’s President and CEO Amy Breitmann celebrate S.M.I.L.E.’s renovation after the food pantry received one of Food Lion’s Great Pantry Makeover grants.
Mr. Bud and his wife are 92 years old. It’s difficult for him to get out of the house very often, having suffered from a stroke 10 years ago. But when he can, he makes the trip to S.M.I.L.E. Community Development Center in Sylvania, Georgia to restock his kitchen.
At the food pantry, Mr. Bud has received chicken, bread, steaks, vegetables, and more. He and his wife use everything he brings home.
“Living on a fixed income, it’s hard to get by. But we’re able to get by. This food really helps us out,” he said.
Thanks to an award from Food Lion’s Great Pantry Makeover initiative, S.M.I.L.E. Community Development Center will be able to feed more neighbors like Mr. Bud than ever before.
Food Lion recently awarded the food pantry with a transformative grant for renovations. One challenge that the organization has faced is its limited space, and funds from Food Lion allowed the pantry to increase food storage capacity by about 50% with a new refrigerator and shelves.
The Great Pantry Makeover grant also provided new ceiling tiles, an outdoor sign, new lighting, and a renovated restroom.
“We are very thankful to Food Lion and Golden Harvest for this wonderful opportunity to help our community. It feels good to know that we are appreciated for the work we do, and it makes us want to do even more,” said Pastor Larry Scarboro, Founder of S.M.I.L.E. Development Center.
In addition to the pantry makeover, Food Lion has provided a grant to Golden Harvest Food Bank for facility renovations as the Food Bank begins its strategic expansion to end hunger in our area.
“We are grateful to be linking arms with Food Lion and S.M.I.L.E. Development Center in response to food insecurity,” said Amy Breitmann, Golden Harvest Food Bank’s President and CEO; “This support will help us serve more neighbors.”
