For the third consecutive year, Mercer University School of Law earned the Attorney General’s Cup as champion of the 15th annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, an eight-day, intrastate law school competition to help support food banks in Georgia. This year, Mercer’s team raised a record $28,239, topping last year’s efforts by over 56%. The proceeds from Mercer’s team went to Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and will provide more than 100,000 meals for hungry families. This is the 11th time Mercer Law has won the title.
Spearheaded by Mercer Law Student Bar Association Community Outreach Co-Chairs Caroline Hager, ’26, and Emma Brumsey, ’27, the Mercer Law team raised nearly twice as much as the next highest school, the University of Georgia. Emory School of Law, Georgia State University College of Law and John Marshall Law School also had teams competing in the student drive. Teams promoted their efforts using LinkedIn videos, gained points by holding volunteer days at their regional food banks, and publicized their achievements on social media. In addition to online advertising, Mercer hosted Pie Your Professors, Percent Days at Macon Bagels and Fall Line Brewing Co., and a school-wide lunch for those who made pages or contributed to the cause.
“Creating momentum is the key to this competition. Spreading the word as soon as possible, raising awareness about the reality of food insecurity, and hosting events people are excited about engages our community. But I never thought the competition total would grow by more than 50% over the two years since my involvement,” Hager said. ”People will surprise you, but to me, this is no surprise it all. This is merely a strong highlight of our values as Mercer lawyers — that when we are called to action, we will show up for our community in need. And, of course, none of these efforts would have been possible without my co-chair, Emma Brumsey. Her ability to engage her second-year class and people in other states is truly commendable, which is evidence of her character and her passion for ending food insecurity.”
Hager said what began as a way to make friends and get involved in the community quickly became a cause she is passionate about leading. She was excited to be asked to co-chair the Community Outreach Committee alongside Brumsey. The team initially set a goal of raising $20,000 but quickly exceeded it.
“Caroline inspires me every day. She balances so much with such grace and passion, and her leadership motivates everyone around her, including me. I am so thankful she asked me to serve alongside her this year,” Brumsey said.
Founded in March 1982, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank provides millions of meals through soup kitchens, after-school programs, shelters, senior centers and other social service organizations. There are more than 140 food pantries affiliated with the food bank, serving those in need across a 24-county area. For every $1 donated, the food bank can supply eight meals to food-insecure neighbors.
“I was enlightened and encouraged to get to know Middle Georgia Community Food Bank during my first year at Mercer Law,” Hager said. “Before the competition, I thought food banks were like food pantries — places where people gathered for meals and community. What I quickly learned is that food banks are much larger, with more robust inventories, and they play an integral role in supplying food pantries, which then serve the community.
“But more than that, they provide items we might consider an everyday commodity, but in reality, they are a privilege we haven’t recognized. For example, seeing a birthday cake at the food bank was eye opening. As someone who has been privileged to have a birthday cake every year, I was inspired to contribute to others being able to have a cake for their celebration. Because everyone deserves a treat on their special day.”
Hager said Brumsey was instrumental in rallying students and faculty to donate, volunteer and spread the word.
“Emma brought new life to the competition this year, facilitating a percent day with Macon Bagels, in which a portion of the sales went to the cause. She thought this was not only a way to raise money for the food bank, but also a way to support a local business in the process,” Hager said. “Her enthusiasm made people want to listen, largely because they could see how deeply she believed in the mission for law students to give back to their community. That is what defines a Mercer lawyer.
Brumsey said, “Community service has always mattered deeply to me because I grew up watching my parents pour into our community back home, and their example shaped my heart for service. Even though I am not originally from Georgia, engaging with the needs of this community and contributing where I can has helped make this place truly feel like home. Watching the Mercer Law community come together to support such an important cause has been heartwarming. It reminds us that our purpose here goes far beyond earning a legal education. We’re here to serve, uplift and to make a real difference.”
Hager said this year’s success was due in part to support from Student Bar Association President Alexis Merritt and Vice President Charlie Johnson. Other students who played key roles include Samuel Adams, who was the top fundraiser; Colleen Closson; Bradley Cusnier; Megan Taylor; Leah Jacobs; Victoria Tanner; and Mitch Neel.
“The students truly embody the spirit of a Mercer lawyer by identifying needs within the community, collaborating to meet those challenges, and motivating others to do the same,” said Mercer Law Dean Karen J. Sneddon. “Their dedication to service and leadership makes a meaningful impact, and we’re excited to continue partnering with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank in the months ahead to strengthen our community.”
