The It’s Spooky To Be Hungry® drive, presented by Murphy Auto Group, kicks off Oct. 1. As Golden Harvest Food Bank’s signature drive enters its 28^th year, the Food Bank debuts some updates to make it safer and easier to ‘scare away hunger.’ Businesses, neighborhoods, schools, and community members are encouraged to create a virtual food drive to raise monetary donations or donate to the virtual Spooky campaign to help the food bank reach its $100,000 goal.

Impacts from COVID-19 mean that food insecurity has risen by 41% in our community, and 1 in 5 people in the CSRA now struggle with hunger. “It’s Spooky To Be Hungry is a big success every year because we can draw on the generous spirit of people in the CSRA. It’s especially important that we come together this year to help families in need, many of whom are turning to the Food Bank for the first time,” said Executive Director Amy Breitmann. “We’re taking extra steps to ensure our community stays safe by offering opportunities to participate virtually.”

• Area residents can get involved in Spooky by starting their own virtual drive. Visit itsspookytobehungry.org and click
‘Start a Virtual Drive’. 

• Community members can also donate to the Spooky campaign. Visit itsspookytobehungry.org and click “Donate”. Every $1 raised provides 3 meals to those in need in our area.

• CSRA residents can volunteer to help distribute door hangers this month. Visit itsspookytobehungry.org for details.

• Local businesses are competing to collect monetary donations Oct. 1-31. This is the third year the drive features a business competition. To join the It’s Spooky To Be Hungry® competition, visit https://itsspookytobehungry.org/businesses

• Select schools across the CSRA also will collect food items throughout October.