Meeting Hunger With Hope in Hancock County

Left to Right: Robin Goodson, Mattie West, Ernestine Harris, Maudie Macklin, Gloria Simmons (Pantry Director), Venniece Macklin.

In rural Hancock County, 1 in 2 children faces hunger, the highest child food insecurity rate in the nation according to Feeding America. With few grocery stores and limited transportation, access to nutritious food is a daily struggle for many families. Helping Hands is there to fill the gap.

Led by Director Gloria Simmons, the agency serves about 700 families each month. From working with churches and schools to distributing fresh produce, pantry staples, and kid-friendly snacks, the team meets families with dignity, consistency, and care. The need in Hancock County is constant, and the team often stretches limited resources to make sure no one leaves empty-handed.

“We do our best to serve everyone who walks through our doors,” Gloria said. “No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”

Volunteers preparing to load boxes of food into clients vehicle.

Helping Hands recently received a grant through Golden Harvest’s Food Forever Fund to help them serve even more families. The funding supported a new commercial refrigerator for fresh foods and dairy, along with new flooring that replaced worn carpet with clean, food-safe surfaces.

“Golden Harvest has been tremendous. They look at our needs and help us establish partnerships that help us get our inventory up and nutrition standards up,” Gloria shared.

Each improvement helps them reach more neighbors, especially children, with the nourishment they deserve. And Gloria leads it all with deep faith.

“I have hope in the heart of people because I know that when there is a need, God will place it on their hearts to provide for that need,” she said.

In a community where need runs deep, Helping Hands is a steady presence, making sure no one is forgotten.