The Greene County Food Pantry (GCFP) has announced the launch of new on-site health services for GCFP neighbors, in partnership with the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative.
Services officially began Feb. 16 with the Rural Health Initiative team now operating from within the GCFP facility at 1220 Siloam Road in Greensboro.
Through this partnership, GCFP neighbors will have access to on-site health checks, health-related information, and educational resources in a welcoming, familiar setting.
Educational materials will be available in the reception area, and Rural Health Initiative team members will be present during GCFP hours to engage with neighbors and help connect them with care.
The Lake Country Rural Health Initiative is led by Dr. Nicolas Chronos, managing partner of Lake Country Medical Group and a nationally recognized cardiologist with a long-standing commitment to improving healthcare access in rural communities.
The Initiative partners with student volunteers from both the University of Georgia and Georgia College & State University, with clinics led by Baylor Edge (UGA) and Mallory Bates (GCSU). Together, these student-led teams provide free health screenings and preventative services in underserved areas. Past clinics have operated in food banks, youth organizations, and other community settings, offering vital services while helping reduce barriers to care.
“We are so happy to provide this service to our neighbors. When we moved into our new facility, we deliberately chose to stop calling those we serve ‘clients’ and instead call them ‘neighbors,’ because that’s who they truly are. At the GCFP, we’re a family, and we couldn’t be more proud to offer services from the Rural Health Initiative alongside nutritious food to the neighbors in our community who need it most,” said Becky Smith, GCFP Board Member.
By bringing health services directly into the GCFP, this collaboration expands the Pantry’s ability to support the overall well-being of its neighbors while reducing barriers to care for individuals and families across Greene County.