[PHOTOSTORY 4: STRUGGLE] Middle Georgia Food Bank Provides Food for Thousands

Middle Georgia Community Food Bank (MGCFB) rest along Ocmulgee E. Blvd. in Macon, GA. MGCFB was founded in 1981 and moved into their current facility in 2006.

A map of all the counties MGCFB services is displayed to showcase the extent of their impact. MGCFB serves as the primary food supplier for over 200 agencies among 24 central Georgia counties.

Industrial shelves line MGCFB's warehouse with hundreds of pounds of food stacked to the ceiling. The 36,000 square foot warehouse can support an estimated 117,000 people which equates to 15% of the population of MGCFB's service area.

DeAndrea Blue updates the inventory catalog as he prepares a food order. Every box of food within MGCFB is cataloged and entered into a digital system for inventory purposes.

DeAndrea Blue lifts cans of foods while putting together a food order. Warehouse workers like Blue fulfill an average of 30 orders daily for the community.

DeAndrea Blue sits down cans of food on a pallet filled with other items while preparing a food order. MGCFB is the primary supplier of food in mass amounts to different food pantries and agencies across their coverage area.

A United States Department of Agriculture sticker, that indicates they paid for it entirely, is placed on a box of raisins. Only about 30% of the food within the warehouse come directly from the USDA with the food bank buying the rest or having it donated.

Fernandez Glover drives a forklift into the warehouses separated fridge and freezer area. The fridge and freezer make up about 15% of the warehouse in both size and amount of food.

Within the warehouse fridge, cold foods and drinks line the wall. MGCFB typically does not have a large refrigerated inventory but has just recently had successes in nearly doubling what their typical amount.

Fernandez Glover sweeps the freezer floor free of ice and loose packaging. Glover oversees the inventory in the industrial freezer which stays at 8 degrees below zero.

Food donations from the public are sorted into different boxes by type. The food bank will accept any donations including sweets, toiletries and supplies.

Mike Morrison reviews inventory logs at his desk. Morrison is responsible for ensuring the extensive inventory is maintained properly and accurately.

Mike Morrison walks down an isle of the food bank in search for particular pallet of food. Morrison must verify any discrepancies within inventory to insure the accuracy of future inventory orders.

An American Institute of Banking (AIB) food safety inspection banner is proudly displayed in the warehouse. Every 2 years the AIB must complete an inspection of all the facilities in Georgia to ensure everything at the food bank is running smoothly.

Volunteer packed food boxes fill the volunteer room in preparation for pick-up. MGCFB receives a surplus of volunteers each week which help pack food for local distributors.

Volunteer Shalaya Patterson writes out a card for MGCFB's Senior Smiles program. The program is designed for elderly recipients to receive special kind messages when getting food deliveries. 

Three large loading bays line side-by-side in the warehouse pick-up section. Affiliates and partners can choose to come pick up orders themself from the site instead of having it delivered. 

Cornelius Vance (right) helps load up a pick-up order for a local partner. MGCFB typically receives about 20 pick-ups throughout the day from local affiliates.

MGCFB shipping trucks line the parking lot in preparation of deliveries across the central Georgia area. The trucks are typically used for larger orders for affiliates such as soup kitchens, backpack ministries and food pantries.

Messages of thanks line the wall in the office building. Each message is from online reviews of MGCFB from local residents and serves as a reminder to MGCFB staff of why they do what they do.

[PHOTOSTORY 4: STRUGGLE] Inside a Shelter

 By: Layne Kafsky 

The entrance sign for the Bulloch County Animal Shelter stands outside the facility in Statesboro, Georgia, welcoming visitors as they arrive. The shelter houses stray and surrendered animals while staff and volunteers work to provide daily care to the animals and help each animal find a permanent home.

When visitors enter the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, the walls are lined with photographs of animals that have been adopted. The display celebrates successful adoptions while offering hope that the animals still waiting in the shelter will also find permanent homes.

 

Photographs of the dogs in Adoption Floor E are displayed outside the kennel hallway at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. Each hallway is organized with photos and names of the dogs inside, making it easier for visitors to identify the animals and learn who is available for adoption.

Volunteer Colin Wooley takes one of the dogs, Sherlock, into the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area, where dogs can run, play, and spend time outside their kennels. The play yard gives visitors and volunteers an opportunity to interact with the shelter dogs, helping the animals exercise, socialize, and show their personalities to potential adopters.

Wooley sits with Sherlock in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play yard as the dog leans in for attention and pets. The shelter staff say many of the dogs spend less time playing than expected and instead seek affection and human interaction when they are taken outside their kennels.

Wooley walks Sherlock back toward the kennel after spending time with him in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area. Although Sherlock returns inside, many other dogs are still waiting for their turn outside highlighting the ongoing need for adopters and volunteers to provide the attention and companionship that the shelter animals need.

    Thornberry another dog avalible for adoption at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, explores the outdoor play area after volunteer Wooley brings him outside. Before settling in to play, Thornberry spends time sniffing his surroundings and getting comfortable with both the new environment and his volunteer, giving him a chance to build confidence outside the kennel while waiting for adoption.

Volunteer Wooley plays with Thornberry in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor exercise area after the dog becomes comfortable with him. "I love getting to spend time with each dog here. Most of the dogs are shy at first, but they all warm up to you pretty quick, and it's a great feeling to see them happy and excited to get attention and time outside," Wooley said.

Thornberry stands in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area after becoming comfortable enough to explore and interact with visitors. Dogs like Thornberry often thrive with consistent attention, exercise, and companionship highlighting the ongoing need for adoptions that give these shelter animals a permanent home and the opportunity to live outside their kennel.

A flyer advertising waived adoption fees for sterilized animals is displayed inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. Promotional events like reduced cost or waived adoption fees are used throughout the year to encourage more adoptions and help move animals from the shelter into permanent homes.

Volunteer Wooley walks another shelter dog Ginny through one of the outdoor exercise areas at the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. In addition to the shelter's fenced-in play yards, volunteers regularly take dogs on walks to provide exercise, enrichment, and one-on-one attention while they wait to be adopted.

Ginny walks around the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's outdoor play area while spending time with a volunteer. Regular time outside the kennel gives shelter dogs exercise, mental stimulation, and human interaction, making volunteer work an important part of helping shelter animals stay healthy and socialized while they wait for permanent homes.

Volunteer Wooley leads Ginny back into the Bulloch County Animal Shelter after taking her outside for exercise. "My least favorite part of volunteering here is having to put each animal back in their kennel. I always want to spend more time with them, but I know there are more animals that need time outside and attention," Wooley said.

Photographs of the cats available for adoption line the entrance to the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's cat area, displaying each cat’s name, age, and basic information about them. The photo displays help introduce visitors to the cats and encourage potential adopters to learn more about each animal and hopefully consider giving them a permanent home.

Volunteer Wooley spends time with the cat Soul in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's indoor cat play room as the shy cat remains hidden in a cabinet for most of the visit. "The cats can definitely be more shy because they need stability more than anything, and the constant change of environment can scare them and make them hesitant to warm up to you," Wooley said.

    Wooley spends time with a kitten in the Bulloch County Animal Shelter's indoor cat play room after the kitten gradually becomes comfortable enough to explore, play with toys, and interact with its surroundings. The shelter stocks its play rooms with toys, treats, blankets, and climbing spaces to help the animals feel safe, build confidence, and enjoy time outside their kennels while they wait for adoption.

    A donation flyer inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter lists the food, treats, and supplies the shelter needs to care for its animals. The requested items support a wide range of needs, from feeding newborn kittens with milk replacer to providing specialized diets, treats, and everyday essentials for animals recovering from illness.

    A prisoner work crew member walks across the Bulloch County Animal Shelter property while helping with daily operations at the facility. In addition to shelter staff and community volunteers, inmate work crews assist with cleaning the grounds, caring for the animals, and helping the shelter meet daily needs.

Flyers posted throughout the Bulloch County Animal Shelter provide visitors with information about volunteering, needed donations, and proper animal care. The displays encourage community members to support the shelter by donating supplies, volunteering their time, and learning how to keep animals healthy both in the shelter and after adoption.

    Donation bins filled with toys, bedding, and other supplies are available inside the Bulloch County Animal Shelter. As shelters continue to take in large numbers of animals, donated supplies and volunteer support help provide the daily care, enrichment, and resources needed to meet the growing demand and improve the well-being of animals waiting for adoption.

[PHOTOSTORY 4: STRUGGLE] The Treasure Trove My Husband Left

 I sat down with a lady named Vera and asked her about everything in her backyard. She called it the treasure trove her husband left. She offered to tell me the stories, but she didnt want to be photographed. 

"My Husband Passed some Years ago. I haven't moved anything. It's become a treasure trove my grandkids stare at from afar, memories my daughters avoid."

"He cut the grass almost every week. He taught my granddaughter how to do it, then it became her thing. The kids across the street started to mess with the lawnmower; we had to sell it. I'm not sure where everything else came from"

"We taught our grandbaby how to ride her bike in this patch of land; she scraped her knees so many times, but her "Poppop" always picked her up."

"Don't get me started about that trampoline. My husband's pride and joy. Slowly became storage for unfinished projects"

"Look close, and you'll see the "OG mancave." God knows how many bugs are in there, but one thing for sure: he never missed a golf tournament sitting in that thing

"He had many sheds; I rarely saw him go into this one. Maybe it was his hiding spot. My daughters dug into it after he passed; they said it mostly held chairs and some trinkets. But boy, he loved his shed"

"He bought that hockey table for his grandnieces, nephews, sons, and daughters. I wish I kept up with it. "

"I told you he loved his sheds; he kept everything in here, from fishing rods, buckets, chairs, lightbulbs.  We never ran out of anything when it came to him. Had our own mini Home Depot. Now I think everyone is scared to go in it"

"He built this red house with my daughter's oldest daughter and his brother. My granddaughter was so happy to help build something so big. That was the happiest I've seen her in so long"

"It may look like a tree, but it's just an extremely overgrown makeshift scorpinine grow thing. My husband and my granddaughter started it, and all of our grandnieces and nephews will get all those juicy grapes off and wash them. It became the thing to do."

"The back of our house became a playground, so many games of tag, freeze tag, hide and go seek. Every time that one tree would be base. It's seen every child's face from infant to teenager to adult. I think our happiness helped it stay so strong. No matter any storm its the only one that stayed up."

"He taught my granddaughter the joy of nature. That brown patch in the back was their little garden. She walks and just lays on it from time to time. Eggplants, Kale, Squash. You name it, they grew it."

"This exact grill and cooler would be the center of every family function. Oster boils, Seafood Boils, Family cookouts. My youngest daughter, Tara, would grill on it all the time. I can't remember the last time she touched it"

At this point, she began to get emotional, so I thanked her for her time and took some still shots of the neighborhood around her house. All she could say to me was, "We miss him so much, so much ojy left when he did"

Apparently these houses have all decided to repaint the same week of this month. 

Most of the Houses here have been up for a long time. The greenhouse used to belong to her late husband's brother, but he ended up losing it due to some shady land guy.

Her street contained so much greenery. I enjoyed looking around while she collected herself. So beautiful.

The amount of abandoned old cars in the neighborhood was mind-blowing. When Mrs.Vera came back, she told me softly, "Most of these cars would be a lot of people's ticket for getting a better life, but the memories keep them bound."

"I keep the grass cut as much as I can. When it's too overgrown, I realize my husband isn't here with me. The bushes have been the same for decades. I would always yell at the kids to not hide in them when they were much larger."

Time was up, I thanked her for the story and said a small prayer with her. I had a hard time getting back home from her neighborhood, so I asked for directions. She told me, "When you smell the bread, you're going the right way. It smells so much better than it tastes"

When I met Mrs.Vera, I told her what this assignment was about. She shared with me how her passion was always journalism. With the struggles of Jimcrow, becoming a mother, and college. She was never able to pursue her dreams in the way she wanted. But, despite all of that, she became a very much loved teacher at this school as well as many others.