DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw Honored at Wade Walker YMCA Food Pantry Ribbon-cutting Event

DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw was recognized Sept. 9 for his allocations totaling $100,000 to the Wade Walker YMCA, which named a food pantry in his honor.

“I am a strong supporter of the work of the YMCAs in our communities,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “That is why I allocated funds to both the Wade Walker YMCA in Stone Mountain and the Decatur YMCA. The naming of the food pantry in my honor is not anything that I sought or expected. Therefore, I am deeply humbled and honored by this recognition.”

Commissioner Bradshaw allocated $50,000 of 2020 CARES ACT and another $50,000 of 2021 American Rescue Plan funding to Wade Walker YMCA to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wade Walker YMCA provided more than 22,836 meals and 18,895 grocery boxes to DeKalb County residents in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, Wade Walker YMCA shifted its hunger relief program to a food pantry onsite. This new high quality food pantry will be equipped with refrigeration, freezer space and shelving.

“None of this is about me,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “It is about all the people that this wonderful facility has helped and will continue to help. I commend the leadership and staff of the Wade Walker YMCA for their heroic efforts on this front.”

“It is because of his generous support that we fulfilled this dream of having a pantry that will serve any one in need in our community, as such it is our distinct privilege to dedicate and name this food pantry in honor of Commissioner Steve Bradshaw,” said Lorna Loh, executive director of Wade Walker YMCA, during the food pantry’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For more information on food pantry hours of operation at Wade Walker YMCA, contact 678-781-9622.