Bank of America is committing $50,000 to support Golden Harvest Food Bank as the Food Bank faces unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. The funds will support the Food Bank’s COVID-19 response efforts, providing 182,000 meals to food-insecure seniors, children, and families across Golden Harvest’s 25-county service area.

"Golden Harvest Food Bank is essential in the fight against hunger in our community," said Ora Parish, Augusta Market President of Bank of America. "Our continued partnership will support families in need across Augusta during these uniquely challenging times.”

With schools closed and unemployment rising, Golden Harvest Food Bank has seen a steep increase in the need for emergency food. The Food Bank has responded by pivoting quickly to increase the flow of food into our community, providing over 765,000 meals to local families, children and seniors in need. The Food Bank predicts it will continue to see elevated emergency food needs in our community for the next 6-9 months as families recover from the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis.

Funds from Bank of America will help the Food Bank continue to increase its food supply to meet elevated emergency food needs. The grant will provide over 182,000 meals to families who are struggling through Golden Harvest’s network of food resources including its Mobile Market food distributions, nutrition programs for children and seniors, and The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen.

“Bank of America has been a faithful partner of the Food Bank for many years, and we are so thankful to them for coming alongside us at this critical time,” said Amy Breitmann, executive director of Golden Harvest Food Bank. “It’s the generosity of partners like Bank of America that is sustaining us as we work to meet increased food needs in our community.”

Golden Harvest’s COVID-19 response efforts include: 

Providing extra food to community partner agencies who see an increased number of hungry families. 

Providing low-contact, drive-thru Mobile Market food distributions with a focus on rural communities and schools. 

Providing a daily lunch service at The Master’s Table using an outdoor to-go model to ensure social distancing.

Providing food to seniors in need through our Senor Nutrition Programs.

Providing supplemental food to children in need during critical meal gaps like Spring Break.