DOTHAN, Ala. — The impending closure of the Georgia Pacific Cedar Springs Containerboard mill has left hundreds of Wiregrass residents facing uncertain futures, prompting the Wiregrass Food Bank to prepare for a significant increase in demand for its services.
The mill, which announced it will cease operations by the end of August, is expected to eliminate more than 530 jobs, directly affecting families across the region.
“The average American citizen is two paychecks away from needing help from a food bank,” said Julie Gonzalez, Assistant Director of the Wiregrass Food Bank. “We know those folks are going to be in need, so we’re going to rise to the occasion as well.”
With over 100 partner agencies spread throughout the food bank’s six-county service area, the organization anticipates a sharp rise in requests for food assistance. Gonzalez emphasized the challenges the food bank faces in increasing its food supply and resources to meet this demand.
The timing of the closure also compounds difficulties for families, many of whom rely on free school meals during the academic year. “For the families who are really struggling, when you take away those free breakfasts, you take away those free lunches… that’s a lot of food loss,” Gonzalez noted, highlighting the added pressure as children head into summer break.
Despite the looming challenges, the Wiregrass Food Bank urges the community not to panic. Organizers have developed plans to manage the increased need but stress that their success depends heavily on continued support from donors and local partners.
“We’re going to need more food to give out to our more than 100 agencies,” Gonzalez said. “Community donations will be crucial in helping us fulfill our mission during this difficult time.”
As the Wiregrass region faces this economic setback, the food bank remains a critical lifeline for many families, underscoring the importance of collective effort in supporting those affected by the mill’s closure.
