Healthy Sumter and Big Bethel Church distribute 150 fresh produce boxes

The community event was part of an initiative to address food insecurity in the area.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:22pm

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Healthy Sumter, in partnership with Phoebe Sumter and Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, distributed 150 fresh produce boxes to residents of Americus and Sumter County this past weekend. The event was part of Phoebe Sumter's efforts to address food insecurity in the region, including eliminating food deserts by creating community gardens and teaching people how to grow their own produce.

Why it matters

Access to fresh, nutritious food is a critical issue in many communities, and this event helps provide an important resource for residents who may be facing food insecurity. By working with local organizations and churches, Healthy Sumter is taking a community-based approach to tackling this problem.

The details

The fresh produce boxes were sponsored by Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Sister in Service of Southwest Georgia. Local Shriners and other volunteers also helped make the event a success. This was the first in a series of Healthy Sumter Fresh Produce Giveaways, with the next one scheduled for April 11, 2026 at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.

  • The fresh produce boxes were distributed this past weekend.
  • The next Healthy Sumter Fresh Produce Giveaway will be on April 11, 2026.

The players

Healthy Sumter

A community initiative focused on addressing food insecurity and creating access to fresh, nutritious produce in Americus and Sumter County.

Phoebe Sumter

A healthcare organization that is partnering with Healthy Sumter on initiatives to eliminate food deserts and teach people how to grow their own gardens.

Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

A local church that sponsored the fresh produce box distribution event.

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What’s next

The next Healthy Sumter Fresh Produce Giveaway will be on April 11, 2026 at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how community-based partnerships can help address critical issues like food insecurity by providing direct access to fresh, nutritious produce. The ongoing Healthy Sumter initiatives aim to create long-term solutions that empower residents to grow their own food and improve their health.