Interrupting Hunger, One Harvest at a Time

How a small garden donates thousands of pounds of food and serves 350 people each month.

As many families across the state face rising costs and struggle accessing nutrient-dense produce, Mableton is lucky to have a dedicated local solution: Our Giving Garden.

This fantastic three-acre spot is committed to fueling our neighbors with fresh, local food, hands-on education, and crucial community support.

Their impact is truly something to celebrate. Founder and CEO Judy Byler recently shared some remarkable progress: “For the year of 2024, we donated over 12,669 pounds of food alone. This was more than the previous seven years combined.”

Founder and CEO Judy Byler and her team harvest eggs from over 30 hens to help feed the local community.

That’s an incredible jump!

This drive led to over 24,000 pounds of food donated since 2016, showing the garden’s growing ability to serve residents in South Cobb.

The 24/7 Pantry: Access and Dignity

The most direct way the garden steps in to help is through its free, anonymous food pantry. It started small, but the need pushed them to expand to a larger, solar-powered shed that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This round-the-clock availability is what makes this pantry so special. As Judy explains: “The pantry is anonymous. That is really important to people.”

Since traditional food banks often have limited hours that clash with work schedules, the 24/7 setup means people can visit whenever they need it even late at night or early in the morning.

This simple system is helping families right here in our community, tracking between 300 and 350 visits every single month, and supplying seasonal, organically grown produce and farm-fresh eggs.

Built on Mableton Power: 4,760 Volunteer Hours

How does a small organization manage a working farm, run educational programs, and produce thousands of pounds of food? Honestly, it’s all thanks to local grit.

Volunteer seen harvesting hot peppers!

“Most people don’t understand how reliant on volunteers the garden truly is,” says Judy. Despite their many activities like camps, workshops, and field trips, the Garden runs on a minimal staff. In 2024, Mableton neighbors contributed over 4,760 hours of community service. 

Join the Effort: What the Garden Needs Now

The garden’s momentum is strong, but they rely on us, the community, to keep it going.

If you’re looking to help out a neighbor, here are three ways to contribute right now:

1. Pantry Items: They grow the fresh stuff, but they need nonperishable items donated by you to keep that 24/7 shed fully stocked for all visitors. They're taking donations through their Amazon Wish list here.

2. Financial Support: Donations keep the lights on and pay for the few staff, utilities, property maintenance, and care for their working animals. Donate here.

3. Hands-On Help: They need dedicated daily volunteers for essential animal care and general garden upkeep. Learn about the many opportunities to volunteer here.

Every little bit helps this vital Mableton resource continue its important work.