During the tumultuous year of 2020, a light emerged in Canton, Georgia, as the world faced the daunting challenges of loss and food insecurity. I first encountered Lamar Green and his dedicated team from Never Alone Food Pantry in the parking lot of New Life Church. Their mission was clear yet profound: to feed the hungry without judgment, to wrap those in need with compassion, and to remind them they are never alone.
Lamar’s passion for serving others and his unwavering faith resonated deeply within our church community, creating a community outreach team. Every fourth Saturday of the month, we gathered to serve the residents of Cherokee County and its surroundings. Little did I know that this experience would transform my perspective on being a servant leader.
As the months passed, I recognized familiar faces among the recipients—especially an elderly couple from Ukraine. They had moved to the United States a decade prior, struggling to make ends meet. Each month, they arrived with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude, reminding me that our efforts made a real difference in their lives.
Inspired by my experiences, my newly retired father joined the team at the Woodstock location. He witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a small, renovated house could have on the lives of those in need. Together, we learned that generosity, offered without strings attached, was a powerful force for change.
On one of my Never Alone Food Pantry visits, I was warmly greeted by Millie Hughes, the Director and Community Outreach Liaison. Her words, “Jenny, I just knew it had to be you,” reminded me of our shared history. I had met Millie years earlier when she led the American Heritage Girls troop my daughters attended. Millie’s commitment to fostering resilient, servant-hearted leaders laid the foundation for our community’s outreach efforts.
Feeding our neighbors is not merely an act of kindness; it is a responsibility we share as Americans and followers of Christ. At Never Alone Food Pantry, we believe in serving all individuals—regardless of race, creed, citizenship status, or gender identity—with love and dignity. Our mission is to combat hunger and ensure that those we serve feel accepted and valued. We embrace the message that when life’s challenges overwhelm you, you are “Never Alone.”
With a team of 150 volunteers, we pour our hearts into every aspect of the pantry's operations. Open six days a week, we send our 26-foot refrigerated truck into the community two to three times a week, delivering food to approximately 1,100 households each month. We distribute over 110,000 pounds of food, filling the cupboards of families facing food insecurity.
In 2019, as we sought innovative ways to fund our mission, we discovered the Beltline Lantern Parade in Atlanta. This unique event aligned perfectly with our desire to be a beacon of hope in the community. Thus, the “Be the Light” Lantern Parade & Festival was born. This festival features a lantern-decorating station, games, food trucks, and even a petting farm, culminating in a dazzling parade of glowing lanterns.
Our festival has grown significantly, raising funds that directly support our mission. The 2022 event raised $11,000, while the 2023 event netted an impressive $18,000. These funds allow us to reach even more needy families, reinforcing our commitment to fighting hunger one household at a time.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission: to ensure everyone in our community feels alone in their struggles. Never Alone Food Pantry is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and unwavering faith. Together, we can illuminate the path for those facing hardship, proving that even in the darkest times, hope shines brightly when we stand together.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
“Be the Light” Lantern Parade and Festival will include a lantern decorating station, inflatables, games, food trucks, Rumor has it that Santa & Bluey will be joining the fun! The evening will all conclude with a parade of brightly shining Chinese Lanterns.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
Etowah River Park – Canton, GA
3:00 – 6:00 pm