In 2019, Guardian Credit Union CEO Heath Harrell asked team members to seek out various unmet needs that existed in their communities. Guardian’s Maplesville team members Theresa Perry and Kim Milstead were quick to express a local need that they knew existed-- the need for food assistance. With a population of around 700, there were little to no opportunities for food insecure families in and around Maplesville to receive food assistance. Perry and Milstead contacted the Grace Klein Community Organization, whose mission is to create authentic community by uniting diverse individuals, businesses, and ministries to meet local needs, and successfully pitched a partnership opportunity to solve this local issue.
Through this joint effort, Guardian’s Maplesville branch has now served as the food distribution center for Maplesville food bank for four years, distributing meals to around 70 families every other week.
Food distribution continued even through the Covid-19 pandemic, with Guardian team members and volunteers ensuring the safety of those receiving food by transitioning to a curbside, contact-free distribution. Volunteers were happy to transition back to an in-person distribution system in 2021 so those receiving meals can have the added perk of friendly conversation and community fellowship.
Through the growing partnerships of numerous businesses in the area, the Maplesville Food Bank has continuously increased the number of families they can serve. The Maplesville Supermarket and Faith Baptist Church are two community partners that make the Maplesville Food Bank possible.
Since January 2023, 490 boxes of food have already been dispersed. Since its start in 2019, it is estimated that over 4,000 boxes of food have been distributed through the Maplesville Food Bank to the Maplesville community and surrounding areas. Guardian is grateful for our team members and to our community partners for their continued dedication and service.