From left, Keith Bedsole of Ability Plus, Inc. and Rotary Club of Madison’s Community Service Chair Morris Lilienthal (Contributed)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter

After getting the idea from a church in nearby Athens, where he works, Steve Croomes of the Rotary Club of Madison had an idea to start a “rice and beans” giveaway for Madison city.

Starting on July 26 and continuing on the last Saturday of each month for the foreseeable future, representatives from the Rotary Club of Madison will be stationed at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Hughes Road from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. to hand out 3-5 pound bags of rice and beans.

There is no interview process or scrutinizing for those wishing to receive food. The rice and beans will be at no charge to individuals.

“Although we live in one of the most affluent cities in the Southeast, there are still many who are in a daily struggle financially,” Croomes said. “This demographic cuts across all racial, ethnic and age lines. Many are single mothers raising children; others are older women who are living on drastically reduced incomes.”

The rice and beans will come in Ziploc bags and have accompanying cooking instructions.

“We encourage anyone who is in need or knows someone
who is to spread the word,” Croomes said. “We look forward to serving the immediate Madison community.”

Croomes added that Rotary is searching for ways to ensure the giveaway is able to continue indefinitely.