Bechtel Group Foundation is making a significant donation to help Golden Harvest Food Bank continue to feed hungry families as they adjust to the long-term effects of the coronavirus. Calls for food assistance have tripled throughout the Food Bank’s 25-county service area. The donation will support Golden Harvest’s long-term COVID-19 response efforts, providing 182,000 meals to food-insecure seniors, children, and families.

“We’re all figuring out what life looks like in this ‘new normal’ and for many, that means relying on the Food Bank,” said Amy Breitmann, executive director of Golden Harvest Food Bank. “Donations like this – at a time like this – mean the difference between food on the table and going hungry for many families.”

Golden Harvest has provided more than 1.6 million meals to families in need since COVID-19 began affecting the CSRA. Across the U.S., 50 percent of American households report having at least one family member whose employment has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. In Georgia, the rate of food insecurity has increased by 42 percent. The Food Bank predicts it will continue to see elevated emergency food needs as local families work to rebuild amid the prolonged COVID-19 fallout.

The donation comes from Bechtel Group Foundation’s new $3 million Bechtel COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was established in May to meet urgent human needs in communities across the world where Bechtel employees live and work.

“The Bechtel team recommended Golden Harvest Food Bank for this special fund because we know how responsive they are in delivering services, especially in challenging times like these,” said Brian Reilly, Bechtel project director for Plant Vogtle’s Units 3 and 4. Bechtel is responsible for completing construction of Vogtle Units 3 and 4 under the management of Southern Nuclear, the Southern Company subsidiary that operates the existing two units at Plant Vogtle. Bechtel also has long supported the U.S. Department of Energy mission at the Savannah River Site.

Funds from Bechtel 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.

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.

Partnering with organizations like World Central Kitchen to provide individual ready meals.

Utilizing state National Guard members to ensure the safety of Food Bank volunteers.