December 24, 2025
Families in Byromville and the surrounding rural area now have improved access to nutritious food thanks to the efforts of the Byromville Community Food Pantry, a recipient of AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s 2024 Community Mission Fund.
The pantry, launched in 2024, was created to serve the needs of a rural community often overlooked by larger organizations. Operated by local volunteers, the pantry distributes food on the third Saturday of each month and aims to assist an average of 50 families per month. Food is sourced through the USDA at a discounted rate, but the pantry relies on fundraising and community support to cover the costs.
“This pantry was started to meet a real need in our community,” said Jack Lester, Director of the Byromville Community Food Pantry. “Thanks to support from organizations like AgGeorgia Farm Credit, we’re able to make sure families here have reliable access to the food they need. In our first year, we served 536 households and distributed more than 11,700 pounds of food — an achievement made possible by our incredible volunteers and community partners.”
AgGeorgia Farm Credit awarded $53,800 in 2024 through its Community Mission Fund to twelve nonprofit organizations across Georgia. Launched in 2023, the grant program supports projects that promote the future of agriculture and enhance the quality of life in rural communities, with grants of up to $5,000 awarded per project.
“The Byromville Community Food Pantry is a wonderful example of neighbors coming together to take care of one another,” said AgGeorgia’s Marketing Director, Corey Cottle. “We are proud to help support their mission of serving families in rural Georgia.”
To learn more about AgGeorgia’s Community Mission Fund and explore past and current grant recipients, visit www.aggeorgia.com/community-mission-fund.