On The Table program encourages Twiggs, Bleckley residents to discuss what is impacting their community

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia is bringing back their program, On The Table, to Twiggs and Bleckley counties to discuss issues that affect the area. 

On The Table gives community members across Middle Georgia an opportunity to discuss topics that shape their lives and how to improve their quality of life. This year, the events will take place March 3-7 at various locations.

There will be three total tables in Twiggs and Bleckley, but the program is offering 130 individual sessions across 11 other counties. Topics range from economic development and healthcare to jobs and entertainment.

“The mission of this initiative is to create a space where diverse voices can come together to inspire positive change and work toward making our community stronger, safer, and more dynamic,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG).

Twiggs’ table will be discussing food insecurity in the county March 3 at 5 p.m. via teleconference. Kathy McCollum, the president and CEO of the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, will host the conversation. 

Bleckley also has a food insecurity table planned, also hosted by McCollum. That conversation will take place virtually March 7 at noon. 

“Middle Georgia Community Food Bank serves 24 counties, including Twiggs and Bleckley, through a network of partner agencies to provide food assistance to neighbors facing food insecurity,” McCollum said. “During next week’s table discussions, we hope to engage with people from these two counties to learn more about their experiences seeking or providing food assistance.”

Bleckley County will also have a table to discuss what Cochran and Bleckley need most to move the community forward. This discussion, which will take place March 6 at 9:30 a.m. on Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA) campus, will be hosted by MGA Director Of Campus & Community Engagement Randy Thompson.

“In Cochran, we are blessed with many community members that care deeply about our city and county,” Thompson said. “I felt that one way to work towards this prosperity was to bring people together and facilitate a conversation that will help us identify things that will truly make a difference.”

Interested individuals should visit www.onthetablecentralga.com to join a conversation. Space is limited, and tables are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We hope that everyone across Central Georgia will join a conversation to share their ideas,” Dennis said. “Powerful things happen when we come together to listen, share diverse ideas and find common ground on community issues and challenges.”