10 Apr Volunteer Spotlight: Golden State Foods Celebrates 17 Years of Service to our Families

For nearly two decades, employees from Golden State Foods of Conyers have made the trek inside the Perimeter to serve our families on the fourth Thursday of every month. Their menus are always crowd pleasers. Sometimes they grill; other times they do a taco bar or baked potato bar.

“One of my personal favorites to prepare is breakfast,” says Janice Jones, the Conyers Committee Chair with Golden State Foods Foundation. “There is just something comforting about breakfast for dinner and I usually have my children and a group of Boy Scouts with me. That’s an easy one to divide up among helpers.”

Janice says the various Golden State Foods groups will check with the House each month to see what has been served so that the families aren’t having taco bars or pasta for the third time in a week.

“It’s a very rewarding experience,” Janice says. “We are able to serve others and get together as a team so it’s a win-win all around.”

The holidays are the best, Janice says, adding one Golden State Foods family has been preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the Gatewood House families for more than 10 years.

In fact, Janice is working with one of Golden State Foods’ chefs and committee members to develop some meal plans for volunteers so that they have at least a starting point. “Most of us have never planned or prepared dinner for 50 plus people so hopefully this will make it easier.”

Golden State Foods Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children and families so it aligns perfectly with Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Jones said.

“The GSF Foundation supports Atlanta RMHC through many grant donations, 100 percent of which are funded by Golden State Foods associates,” Janice says. “Additionally the Foundation supports the Adopt-a-Family program. It is a pleasure to work with the Charity!”