In light of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the growing risk that SNAP benefits will be disrupted beginning November 1, Golden Harvest Food Bank is reminding neighbors that help is available and calling on the community to come together to ensure no one goes hungry.

“Even before the shutdown, we’ve seen more families turning to us for help,” said Amy Breitmann, President and CEO, Golden Harvest Food Bank. “If SNAP benefits are interrupted, families, seniors, and veterans across our communities will feel the impact immediately. Golden Harvest will continue to be here for our neighbors. We will not stop showing up.”

Across the 24 counties the Food Bank serves in Georgia and South Carolina, 1 in 6 people face food insecurity, including 1 in 4 children. If benefits are interrupted, more than 140,000 people in our service area could lose access to their next month’s food assistance, leaving many without the support they rely on at a time when need is already high.

For anyone in need of food assistance, there are over 325 hunger-relief partners across the region ready to help. To find support near you, visit goldenharvest.org/find-help.
Golden Harvest and its partners are working quickly to increase food availability by purchasing additional food to support our network of hunger relief partners. Even after the shutdown ends, families will continue to recover from the loss of paychecks and benefits.

• Community members, schools, and businesses can help ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season by:

• Donating funds at goldenharvest.org

• Hosting a food and funds drive to collect nonperishable items and raise support for your neighbors.

• Volunteering with the Food Bank or a local pantry near you

• Dropping off food donations at our Augusta or Aiken campuses, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.), or directly at your local pantry. To find pantries near you, visit goldenharvest.org/find-help.

“This is a time for our community to come together,” added Breitmann. “If you need food, we’re here for you. And if you’re able to give, your support helps us make sure that none of our neighbors go hungry.”