he Ada Street Garden had a productive growing season, despite facing several significant challenges. Groundhogs were especially problematic, burrowing beneath the fence and consuming much of the cantaloupe crop, as well as dozens of tomatoes, squash, and sweet potato vines. A malfunction in the electric fence also allowed deer to enter and eat all the pole beans. In addition, powerful wind from storms knocked much of the corn crop onto the ground. Fortunately, many of the corn stalks survived and continued to mature, enabling volunteers to harvest corn from the fallen stalks for the first time. This innovative approach led to a yield of nearly 900 ears of corn, more than double the previous year’s harvest.
Despite these setbacks, the Ada Street and Research Gardens contributed approximately 3,100 lbs. of fresh produce — including tomatoes, corn, okra, green beans, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupe — to the Fannin County Family Connection Food Pantry. Weekly purchases from Old Dial Road Farm further supplemented these donations, helping Feed Fannin provide over 6,100 lbs. of produce for the pantry this seaso
To address these ongoing challenges, the electric fence has been replaced, and steps will be taken before next spring to better control the groundhog population. The Kubota riding mower required frequent maintenance, but thanks to dedicated volunteers who endured heat and humidity to assist with gardening, mowing, and trimming, these challenges were met. Feed Fannin sincerely appreciates the commitment of its volunteers, who are truly the heart of the organization and foster a strong sense of brand loyalty.
Summer Meals Program
Feed Fannin continued its partnership with Snack in a Backpack and other community organizations for the fourth consecutive year to support the Summer Meals Program. Through the purchase and donation of 6,411 lbs. of fresh produce, 170-175 families each week received produce during the eight weeks of summer break. Volunteers helped provide 35,000 meals and packed over 4,000 meal bags, ensuring that “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation.”
Grant and Transportation Improvements
In the fall of 2024, Feed Fannin was awarded a $30,000 grant from Impact100 Fannin County. With these funds, the organization purchased a used 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee in May 2025. Since then, the vehicle has transported over 11,000 lbs. of produce and canned goods to support various Feed Fannin projects and will continue to be essential throughout the year.
In June, Kathy Beck and Jane Kimzey of Feed Fannin attended the Impact100 Big Reveal Meeting at Old Toccoa Farms, where it was announced that over $188,000 in grants would be distributed in 2025. During the event, Kathy expressed gratitude for the grant Feed Fannin received and highlighted the importance of the vehicle in furthering Feed Fannin’s mission.
Farm Projects and Volunteer Contributions
Feed Fannin regularly welcomes volunteer groups to assist with farm chores and projects. This spring, Steve Stacy Roofing generously donated and installed a new roof for the farmhouse and shed, which was featured in the Spring 2025 newsletter.
In July, the North Georgia Mission Lodge and Jeff Milway hosted a group of eight middle school students and four adults for a workday at the Feed Fannin Farm, where they helped with a variety of farm tasks and observed the bee hives.
Recently, eight volunteers from Suntory Global Spirits contributed their time to cut, trim, and pack Meals on Wheels boxes. Suntory’s commitment to “give back one million volunteer hours to our local communities” exemplifies the spirit of service. Feed Fannin greatly appreciates the support of individuals from outside the community who embody our motto “one community, one spirit” and help fulfill the organization’s mission.
Agricultural Education Initiatives
On Sept. 3, two classes totaling 60 Fannin County High School agriculture students and their leaders visited the Feed Fannin Farm. Students observed the bee hives and pollinator gardens and attended a presentation on the importance of bees and pollinators and the workings of a beehive and colony. Six students from each class donned bee suits for a close-up look, while all students watched as trays were removed from the boxes and the queen and drones were identified. The honey-making process was explained, and students helped with honey extraction and filtering.
Special thanks go to Tim Doherty of Doc’s Healing Hives for tending the hives and conducting the educational sessions. He told them that the average age of beekeepers is sixty, making it crucial for younger generations to develop an interest in beekeeping to ensure continued fruit and vegetable production. Those interested in learning more or purchasing local honey can contact Doc’s Healing Hives
The Feed Fannin Farm supports its bees by providing a variety of pollinator plants as a food source, helping maintain healthy colonies of over 60,000 bees on site.
Community Agriculture Events
Feed Fannin volunteers supported annual agricultural events this fall. On Aug. 28, we hosted and prepared a hot dog lunch for approximately 300 third graders, leaders, and volunteers at AG Day at the Fannin County Ag Facility. Participants learned about the importance of agriculture and engaged with educational stations set up by community leaders.
On Sept. 9-10, all fourth graders and their leaders attended the Georgia Farm Bureau AG Experience at the Fannin County Ag Facility, participating in mobile-classroom activities led by local agricultural experts. Feed Fannin volunteers played an active role in leading these educational sessions.
As the growing season ends, only okra and peppers remain for harvest. Soon, cover crops will be planted, and the first frost will arrive. Garden volunteers will shift their focus to planning next year’s garden and the Holiday Meals Campaign, ensuring all preparations are made to support various partner groups during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Feed Fannin extends its gratitude to the entire community, including those whose support may not be known directly. Special thanks go to the Fannin County Board of Education for allowing the organization to use their property for the farm and home base. Feed Fannin pledges continued support to “work together to educate and encourage our community towards self-sufficiency while providing food for those in need.”
