Community in Action: NCNW Fights Food Insecurity Across Valdosta
- Dec 4, 2025
- 4 min read
A Day of Service: Turning Veterans Day Into Action
While much of the nation paused to observe Veterans Day, the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) chose a different path — one rooted in service and solidarity. Their mission: deliver over 600 pounds of food to vulnerable communities across Valdosta.
The effort targeted three essential institutions: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, The Salvation Army of Valdosta, and Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP). This was more than a food drive — it was a strategic, compassionate act addressing a rising crisis in our region: food insecurity.
Food Insecurity in Valdosta: A Growing Crisis
In Lowndes County, food insecurity affects an estimated 12.8% of residents — that’s more than 15,000 people, including children, seniors, students, and working families. Regional hunger-relief partners report even higher needs, with 1 in 4 children experiencing food insecurity across South Georgia.
Rising grocery costs, inflation, and post-pandemic pressures have made food harder to access, even for those working full-time. And for college students, the choice between paying bills and buying groceries is an all-too-common dilemma. These aren't just statistics — they're real stories, unfolding every day across Valdosta.
Strategic Impact: Where the Food Went and Why It Matters
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
At Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, the food donations were warmly received by President DeAnnia Clements and Dean of Student Engagement Katrina Royal, pictured above alongside NCNW Valdosta volunteers. This delivery supports a critical need — addressing food insecurity among college students, which often goes unnoticed but can deeply affect mental health, academic performance, and retention.
Wiregrass serves a broad student body, many of whom are balancing jobs, family, and coursework while managing tight budgets. With rising living costs and inflation, students frequently face hard choices — and access to food shouldn’t be one of them.
“This effort ensures students won’t have to choose between nourishment and success,” NCNW leadership shared. “Food is a necessity. Education is a right. No student should have to sacrifice one for the other.”
The Salvation Army of Valdosta
Food donations helped sustain The Salvation Army’s transitional housing program, which serves up to 12 men at a time. The shelter provides more than just meals — it offers structure, support, and a path toward stability for men experiencing homelessness or hardship.
During the food delivery, NCNW Valdosta members were welcomed by Angela Lawrence, Program Manager for The Salvation Army of Valdosta, who is pictured alongside the team in front of the facility. The group stood proudly with bags and boxes of groceries ready to serve the shelter’s daily meal operations.
“Without the generosity of community partners and donors like NCNW, our food pantry would not exist,” a Salvation Army representative shared.
This delivery reinforces the essential role that grassroots partnerships play in keeping local support systems strong — especially in times of growing need.
Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP)
The final stop on NCNW Valdosta’s day of service was LAMP, a regional leader in shelter and emergency outreach. LAMP currently houses 43 adults and 18 children, while also supporting numerous families in the community through its public food box and emergency services.
In the photos, NCNW Valdosta volunteers are seen standing with food donations inside the LAMP shelter — ready to distribute much-needed hot lunches to the residents. These donations are essential to maintaining LAMP’s high-demand pantry program and feeding families experiencing immediate food insecurity.
“The need in our community is very real — and growing,” a LAMP team member shared. “These donations help us meet people where they are and give them hope along with help.”
With inflation and housing instability compounding food insecurity, this delivery came at just the right time to provide nourishment, dignity, and relief to those who need it most.
Why NCNW Acts: Values That Go Beyond Food
Founded in 1935 by educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) exists to empower women of African descent and their families through education, economic stability, health equity, and social justice.
While food security isn’t always listed in headlines, it’s central to NCNW’s mission. Hunger affects academic success, mental health, housing stability, and economic opportunity — all pillars NCNW has fought to protect for generations.
In the words of NCNW Valdosta’s social justice committee:
“We’re not just delivering meals — we’re investing in the well-being, dignity, and future of our community.”
Feeding Bodies, Fueling Change: The Real Impact
For a college student facing financial hardship, a free meal means not having to drop out. For a father in shelter transition, it offers a sense of stability. For a single mother choosing between gas and groceries, it provides relief and hope.
This effort, though timed around Veterans Day, wasn’t about just honoring the day — it was about honoring community needs in real time, showing how grassroots action can create powerful, lasting change.
Get Involved: Be Part of the Solution
Want to support this mission? Here's how you can take action today:
Volunteer: Help with food drives, community events, and local outreach.
Donate: Every contribution supports direct aid and future initiatives.
Stay Connected: Attend upcoming events and bring others into the movement. ncnwofvaldosta.org/events
Every box packed, every dollar donated, and every hour volunteered makes a difference.
Conclusion: Standing in the Gap, Together
In a region where thousands struggle silently with hunger, NCNW Valdosta is stepping up — delivering not just food, but compassion, dignity, and justice. Their work is a testament to what happens when purpose meets action.
As food insecurity rises, so must our collective response. NCNW Valdosta’s Veterans Day outreach reminds us: service is powerful, but sustained service is transformational.
Join them. Support them. Let’s build a stronger, more nourished Valdosta — together.
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