October 2, 2026
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – When the federal government shutdown that began in October dragged into November, food ministries across Georgia saw a sharp rise in families seeking help. With federal nutrition programs slowed and holiday demand increasing, Mission Georgia stepped in to ensure churches and associations could continue meeting needs with compassion.
In early November, Mission Georgia reached out to the state’s Baptist associations to assess the needs.“Mission Georgia exists to help churches and associations meet needs and provide gospel-centered impact in their communities,” explained Mission Georgia lead strategist Beth Ann Williams. “When the government shutdown continued, the associational food ministries began to experience a high demand for food.”
Seven associations reported an immediate need and received direct support: Dodge County, Chattahoochee, Columbus, Grady, Apalachee, Floyd County, and Mell. Williams said more associations with food ministries will be contacted again at the end of the month to reassess their needs, as many were still managing on existing resources when the survey first went out.
“These associations are on the front lines of helping to feed hungry people in their communities,” Williams said. “Because of generous gifts to the Georgia Baptist State Missions Offering, Mission Georgia was able to quickly respond by providing financial assistance to help purchase food.”
At the Dodge County Baptist Association’s Christian Life Center, demand more than doubled. Mike Grenade, the association’s AMS, said the ministry helps an average of 30 to 35 families each week, but “We served 71 families the week of November 17–21.”
Grenade said the timing amplified the need. “Due to the shutdown, people were concerned about the Thanksgiving holiday. We always see an increase during the holidays, but more this year.” He added the ministry expects to serve more than 40 families on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Grenade is thankful for the Mission Georgia partnership. “Our local food bank — the Middle Georgia Food Bank in Macon — had a limited supply,” he said. “We were concerned and making plans to shop at local grocery and food warehouses, knowing the cost would be much higher.” However, with the assistance from Mission Georgia, “we were blessed to serve all families requesting help with additional groceries for their Thanksgiving meal. The funds were an answer to our prayers.”
He added that 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 has guided the ministry for two decades. “ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
The Mell Baptist Association faced a similar situation.
“We average about 40 families a month,” said Tom Hocutt, associational missionary. “And we did see an increase during the shutdown.”
The ministry is a partnership between the association office and local churches. “A church takes a month at a time to provide the food and pack 10 bins of food per week,” Hocutt explained. “Each bin contains at least four grocery sacks of food — a value of over $50 per bin.”
But during the shutdown, demand exceeded supply. “We did turn away more people,” Hocutt explained. “It has not been unusual for us to give out all 10 bins each Tuesday.”
Hocutt credits Mission Georgia’s support with helping stabilize supplies. “The check will help us keep the food pantry adequately stocked,” Hocutt said. “There are times it gets really low on stock.”
Williams said the rapid response reflects the larger purpose of Mission Georgia.
“Mission Georgia is about giving churches practical ways and resources to connect with their mission field,” she said. “When a crisis arises, whether it's a storm, a shutdown, or a personal need, churches are already positioned to respond in Jesus’ name.”
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