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Fort Deposit’s Harvest Tyme Food Ministries is extending its outreach program to fit the needs of students and veterans.

Dr. Debbie and Bishop Roger Bryant are incorporating training programs and veteran housing into their services.

“Our place will be where the county and city will help fund our services,” Dr. Debbie Bryant said.

Bryant is a local Fort Deposit pastor and has been a child advocate since the beginning of her career. She says the outreach program is extended from her own personal experiences.

“Every program we have is to help the county succeed,” Bryant said. “We’re looking to bring 150 jobs to Lowndes County.”

The outreach organization currently has two buildings located at 500 Airport Road. They will introduce a food bank, training programs for students and veteran housing.

The food bank is already under way and providing groceries to local service groups and churches.

During the holidays, the program will be providing local service groups and churches with 45 pounds of food and personal boxes that will include essentials like toothbrushes and mouthwash. Harvest Tyme Food Ministries will extend that service to families in need, and will provide them with a turkey or ham as well.

Harvest Tyme Food Ministries also started donating milk to communities within Lowndes, Montgomery and Elmore counties, and the last donation will be Sept. 16.

The new training program is currently in the works and is looking to be in partnership with Lowndes County Public Schools. The training will introduce techniques on entrepreneurship, business growth and hands-on learning about farming.

Along with the introduction of the training programs, Harvest Tyme Food Ministries has started seeking funding for veteran housing and will allow veterans to take the same training courses as students.

They are working closely with a local bank to secure 172 acres for the housing.

Although the building is currently only in operation for the food bank because of reconstruction, the Bryant family is hoping to repair the buildings soon to begin the service program for students.

The Lowndes County Commission has generously donated and provided services to help the repairing of the buildings.

Those interested in Harvest Tyme Food Ministries’ services can email them at harvesttymefoodministries@yahoo.com