Who We Are At Neighbors4Neighbors
In 2000, the youth at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Toccoa, GA started an emergency food pantry for Stephens County residents in need. They began by serving approximately five individuals per month. The need increased over the years and in 2005 the effort became more structured. We became a member of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia where we were able to secure food at a greatly reduced cost. A freezer and a refrigerator were donated so that we were able to serve perishable food.
The economic changes, starting in 2008, created a tremendous increase in the number of needy people and we were greatly challenged to meet the needs of the community. It became obvious that we must begin looking at better ways to serve the needy and the process of becoming a separate entity began.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Inc. officially began in February 2012, as the successor organization to the original food pantry. A Board of Directors was formed, a logo selected and the search for a larger facility was underway. We became a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. We are an all- volunteer organization with over 50 volunteers serving at the pantry, shopping for food, stocking shelves or helping at Mobile Pantries.
In February 2013, we moved to a larger facility on the grounds of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, located at 935 E. Tugalo St., Toccoa, GA. We are across the street from DFACS in the “Rock House”.
Individuals receive both perishable and non-perishable food, based on their family’s needs. Personal hygiene items are provided as funds allow.
Once a quarter, we sponsor a Mobile Pantry in conjunction with the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. We distribute approximately 10,000 pounds of food to those in need. This distribution is done at the parking lot behind First Methodist Church in Toccoa.