Healthy meals are crucial to maintaining healthy families. With grocery prices remaining high and government food assistance payments delayed for many Georgians, Phoebe is helping bridge the gap. Phoebe presented $10,000 checks to four organizations that provide healthy food to southwest Georgians in need, offering timely assistance ahead of the holiday season when food insecurity typically intensifies. The organizations are Feeding the Valley in Albany, Pinson Memorial Methodist Church in Sylvester, Harvest of Hope in Americus, and Flint River Fresh which operates community gardens in Dougherty and Sumter counties.

Jen Williams, PhD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Community Engagement & Health Impact Officer, said the health system felt compelled to act quickly as the problem of food insecurity rose heading into the holiday season.

“Food and health are inseparable. Food insecurity is a real issue across our service area. We wanted to support organizations that are already doing incredible work in our communities, especially now with SNAP delays causing added strain for so many families,” said Williams.

At Feeding the Valley’s Albany location, the impact will be immediate. Site Director Jay Cannon said every dollar donated to Feeding the Valley provides six meals. Phoebe’s support alone, will translate into 60,000 meals for families throughout Albany and surrounding counties.

“That amount can feed up to 15,000 families of four. During the holidays, when needs are at their highest, this donation means everything. It will go straight back into the community,” said Cannon.

Cannon also noted how remarkable the community’s generosity has been over the past month, despite many families still facing their own financial challenges. He shared the story of a young man who walked in with $50 to donate after seeing the news about SNAP delays.

“He said, ‘I want to help. I may not have much, but I’m better off than some. That kind of generosity shows the heart of this community. What could have been a negative situation has become a blessing because people are stepping up to help,” said Cannon.

While certain items like turkeys are harder to come by this year, Cannon said families will not go without food. The USDA has sent alternative items such as Cornish hens and other staples, ensuring families have access to quality meals even if the traditional holiday items look a little different.

Williams said supporting these organizations reflects Phoebe’s commitment to caring for its communities beyond hospital walls.

“This is our home. We live, work, play, and worship here. We are grateful to have strong partners like these food banks, and we are proud to support the work they are doing to ensure families have access to healthy food during such an important time of year,” she said.