New Initiative Spreads Hope—and Much-Needed Meals—to Walker County Families

November 10, 2025 Print This Post

“Hope doesn’t erase helplessness. It transforms it into strength.”

This is the idea behind the 100 Bags of Hope Challenge created by Christine Brown Walker, a school social worker for Walker County Schools, and organized by Walker County Family Connection as a simple yet meaningful way to ensure families have access to essential resources and support when they need it most.

“Christine developed the challenge to help meet the needs of those facing hardship following the suspension of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1,” said Walker County Family Connection Coordinator Laura Beth Newsom. “We partner closely with our school social workers and joined the Bags of Hope initiative to expand its impact countywide.”

Community members are encouraged to fill a reusable grocery bag with nonperishable foods that work together to create wholesome meals—with simple ideas like Taco Tuesday, Breakfast for Dinner, or School Night Mac and Cheese.

Each Bag of Hope includes Walker County Family Connection’s Resource Directory, connecting families to vital community services and supports. The Georgia Family Connection Collaborative will also provide reusable bags and even pick up bags.

Newsom noted that the need for food support continues to grow daily in Walker County. Bags of Hope donations are steadily coming in, but they’re being distributed just as quickly to meet the rising demand.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries to our community food calendar—10 times more than at this point last month—and we’re also noticing shifts in the demographics of those seeking assistance,” said Newsom. “These changes highlight how vital our collective efforts are in ensuring that no family goes without the essentials they need.”

Walker County Family Connection is working together with local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals to support their neighbors through Bags of Hope and other efforts like a countywide network of Little Free Pantries.

“Our community is rallying together to meet the growing food needs with compassion and unity,” said Newsom. “This collaboration is a true reflection of the strength and generosity that define Walker County. Together, we believe we can meet the needs of families across our county and ensure that no one goes hungry.”

The Bags of Hope initiative aligns with Walker County Family Connection’s overall strategy that’s focused on increasing student success and decreasing childhood abuse and neglect.

The latest KIDS COUNT data shows that 20.1% of children in Walker County live in poverty, compared to 18.8% in Georgia. And the rate of children with a substantiated incident of abuse and/or neglect (per 1,000) is 11.3 in Walker, compared to 4.5 in Georgia.

“Students cannot thrive academically when they’re hungry, and families experiencing food insecurity are at a greater risk for stressors that can lead to abuse and neglect,” said Newsom. “That’s why we’re working every day to meet our community’s immediate needs with care and compassion. Together with our partners, we’re creating a stronger, healthier Walker County where every family can thrive.”

Bags of Hope can be taken to Walker County Family Connection located at Walker County AEC at 925 Osburn Rd. To learn more, contact Newsom at 423-595-2221 or laurabethnewsom@walkerschools.org.