Christian Social Ministries will end its regular Monday food distribution in Statesboro, but continue emergency food assistance.
The organization is redirecting more of its effort toward urgent needs, including utility assistance, as routine food-bag distribution has declined.
CSM founder John Long said the Monday distribution once provided 130 to 150 bags.
Since the Statesboro Food Bank opened, the number has generally been about 35 to 50, he said.
CSM plans to support the food bank’s work instead of maintaining a regular distribution alongside it. Long said the food bank has had periods when its shelves were empty.
The change does not mean CSM is ending food aid: the organization’s pantry will remain available for families facing an immediate need.
The closure of TMT Farms’ Christmas lights display also contributed to the shift. Long said the display had supplied about 90% of the food CSM distributed.
At the same time, CSM’s monthly utility assistance has grown from about $3,500 to $10,000.
The assistance can address more than household utility bills; CSM also helps with medication, tires and vehicle repairs, wheelchair ramps and other essential expenses.
To help support its work, CSM plans to open a thrift store in the former pantry warehouse at 31 North Zetterower Avenue.
The location is scheduled to open Nov. 1, 2026, as a Christmas store and become a larger thrift store after the holiday season.
Other programs will continue, including CSM’s shoe ministry with Bulloch County Schools.
School counselors and caseworkers identify students who need new shoes.
CSM and the Blue Mile Committee are also planning the “TMT in Town” food drive. From Dec. 1 through Christmas Day, downtown businesses will collect nonperishable food for the Statesboro Food Bank.
CSM volunteers will supply collection boxes, pick up donations and deliver them to the food bank.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
