Cleveland, GA (January 30, 2026) — In response to the immediate food insecurity needs caused by Winter Storm Fern, The Salvation Army of Georgia has quickly coordinated a drive-through food box distribution in White County, made possible through the generous partnership of the White County Emergency Management Agency, the Midwest Food Bank, The Bridge Church in Cleveland, Georgia, and the Cleveland, Georgia Walmart store.
Areas of White County were particularly hard hit by Winter Storm Fern, as ice-related conditions caused widespread, persistent power outages. Many residents experienced food loss due to the prolonged power outages and were left with limited access to shelf-stable food, as another round of winter weather is forecast to impact the region this weekend.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, leaders from the participating organizations—Jeff Groves, Pastor of The Bridge Church; Lanita Lloyd, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army of Georgia; and Tom Horton, Manager of the Cleveland, Georgia Walmart store—met Friday morning, January 30, to rapidly coordinate a same-day food box distribution for affected residents.
“This kind of swift response is only possible when strong partners collaborate effectively,” said Lanita Lloyd, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “We are incredibly grateful to the White County Emergency Management Agency, the Midwest Food Bank, The Bridge Church, and our local Walmart partners for their willingness to move quickly and work collaboratively to meet the needs of families who are already stretched thin.”
The drive-through food box distribution will take place on Friday, January 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Bridge Church, 607 Hulsey Road, Cleveland, Georgia. The food boxes will include shelf-stable items intended to help households restock essentials lost during the storm and prepare for potential impacts from the upcoming weather system.
“With another storm expected, timing is critical,” Lloyd added. “Our goal is to help residents regain a sense of stability by ensuring they have food on hand before conditions worsen again. We are thankful for partners who understand that urgency and respond with compassion and action.”
Residents of White County are encouraged to take advantage of the free distribution early, as the event will operate within a limited time window due to forecasted winter conditions.
The Salvation Army extends its sincere thanks to Midwest Food Bank for supplying food resources, to The Bridge Church for opening its campus to serve the community, and to the Cleveland Walmart store for its local leadership and support in meeting urgent needs during this challenging time.
