CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Commission on Monday highlighted local efforts to fight hunger ahead of the holidays, presented a donation to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, and recognized the county landfill for earning a statewide recycling award.
Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda and both new business items during their regular meeting at the county courthouse.
County Manager Tim Sims commended the Habersham County Landfill for receiving the 2025 Georgia Recycling Coalition Recycling Award for Outstanding Government Program, an honor that distinguishes the county “among Georgia’s 159 counties for its innovation, growth and commitment to environmental sustainability.”
“Our goal is simply to save landfill airspace and extend the life of our current facility by keeping recyclable materials out of the landfill,” Sims said. He noted the Coalition highlighted expanded recycling access, infrastructure upgrades, increased material streams, education and outreach, and long-term planning. “We want to commend our landfill for these extra commitments and programs.”
Farm-City Week Proclamation
Commissioner Ty Akins read a proclamation declaring Nov. 19–27, 2025, as Farm-City Week. The proclamation emphasized the partnership between rural and urban communities that drives agricultural production and economic growth.
“Agriculture and related industries contributed over $91 billion and over 381,000 jobs to Georgia’s economy in 2024,” Akins read. As families gather for Thanksgiving, he said, “it is fitting that we count among our blessings the vital farm-city partnerships that have done so much to improve the quality of our lives.”
County backs Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Commissioner Kelly Woodall read a proclamation of support for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, noting the county’s $6,200 contribution and its launch of a countywide fundraiser and food drive aimed at raising $10,000 and collecting nonperishable foods through Dec. 13.
“Every contribution, whether through volunteerism, food donations or monetary gifts, strengthens the Food Bank’s capacity to serve our neighbors,” Woodall said. The proclamation pledges the county’s “full support” for the Food Bank and applauds its service across the region.
Commissioners then presented a check to the organization. James Brim, Mountain Director
for the Food Bank, accepted the donation and said the contribution will provide 15,500 meals.
“We have 19 members — churches and soup kitchens here — that are helping people in the community,” Brim said. “It takes a team to make things happen, and I love what I do.”
Brim outlined the scope of need across the Food Bank’s 15-county region, noting a 15.7% food insecurity rate and an estimated 7,350 adults and 1,500 children struggling to access food.
“One out of six kids are not getting food, and one out of 12 seniors are not getting food,” he said.
He also described the strain caused by the recent federal government shutdown, which cost the Food Bank 29 tractor-trailer loads — about 1.7 million pounds — of food.
“But we never missed a beat,” Brim said. “We never turned anybody away — and the members here in Habersham never turned anybody away either.”
‘Share the Harvest’ food drive underway
Deputy Clerk Patti McLarty told commissioners the county’s Share the Harvest Food Drive aims to help families who face rising costs during the holidays.
“We are blessed, and there are some in our community who are struggling — that struggle every day, and especially struggling right now,” McLarty said. “So we thought it would be good to bring the county and the community together and raise some money and collect some food.”
County Clerk Brandy Carnes announced a “Build a Truck” event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, where the Food Bank’s truck will be onsite to pick up donations collected throughout the month.
“We’re accepting food and donations from November 10 through December 13,” Carnes said. She added that the county will work with businesses or organizations collecting larger amounts and is storing donations at the administration building.
“On December 17, we’ll have the Food Bank truck coming, and they’ll pick up the donations we’ve received,” Carnes said. “Anybody wanting to come that day can bring things. The time is to be determined, but we’ll get that information on our website.”
Other business
Commissioners unanimously approved:
• The release and transfer of Rocky Branch Road to the City of Clarkesville.
• A resolution declaring the results of the Nov. 4 election on general obligation bonds and continuation of the one percent sales tax.
Commissioners also approved all items on the consent agenda, including minutes from the October meeting, a lease agreement for an airport hangar, right-of-way mowing adjustments, a local emergency operating plan update, a road renaming, and 15 alcohol license applications.
