Aetna Better Health of Georgia – a CVS health company – and Beacon of Hope Church of God have recently partnered to open the Lazarus Project Food Pantry in Swainsboro, Ga.
Located at 664 S. Main St., the pantry was made possible by Aetna’s Emanuel County Community Health Council, where community members, health professionals and local leaders come together to address pressing health concerns in the area.
The food pantry is the result of a community–driven effort and collaboration with Aetna’s Emanuel County Community Health Council, and is part of their ongoing mission to identify unique needs of the area and harness collective, local resources that will create a lasting impact in the health and well-being of those in the CSRA.
After discovering Emanuel County’s risk for elevated food insecurity and recognizing the profound impact it has on one’s overall health, the Lazarus Project Food Pantry became Swainsboro’s community solution.
In May of 2023, Aetna provided the Beacon of Hope Church of God with a $50,000 grant to help launch the project, and on Dec. 11, the pantry welcomed community members, local officials and supporters to celebrate an official grand opening.
The event not only showcased the immediate impact of the food pantry, but also set the stage for a long term commitment to bettering the health of those in the community.
“As the Lazarus Project Food Pantry opens its doors, it helps usher in a new chapter for the community and stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organizations join forces to create healthy communities,” said Georgia-based Sonya Nelson, the division president of Aetna Medicaid. “This collaborative effort is not only about addressing an immediate need but establishing a sustainable, community-driven solution for positive long term outcomes.”
By addressing the root causes of various health disparities beyond the traditional boundaries of healthcare, Nelson said she believes communities can make a lasting difference on the lives of those in need.
As it provides furniture and other resources to community members, officials with the project reported that the food pantry is expected to serve an average of 500 families per year, with a steady substantial increase.
“The opening of the Lazarus Project Food Pantry is a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of our community,” said John Hancock, pastor at Beacon of Hope Church of God. “As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to fostering a resilient, healthy community where no one goes hungry.”
Open the second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the pantry is open to all and is looking for community members to support its longevity through food donations, fundraising and volunteering.
“Aetna Better Health of Georgia in partnership with the Lazarus Project Food Pantry will provide food, including fresh produce, to understand families throughout Swainsboro and surrounding areas to create remarkable communities and environmental impacts,” said Interim CEO Andre Greenwood of Aetna Better Health of Georgia. “We’re looking forward to extending our presence in the communities we serve to help residents across Emanuel County have access to quality and healthy food options.”
For more information about the Lazarus Project Food Pantry, contact the Beacon of Hope Church of God at 478-237-8509.
“We invite all community members to join us in this mission and make the Lazarus Project Food Pantry a cornerstone of support for those that need it most,” Hancock said.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
