Brenda visits her local pantry, Unity Outreach, to pick up food items for herself and her daughter. Brenda, a 75-year-old Trenton resident, has called her neighborhood home for over 50 years. But when Hurricane Helene struck, the life she had built was uprooted in unimaginable ways. The storm left her home with a hole in the roof and a bedroom floor too damaged to walk on, while her daughter’s home next door bore the brunt of Helene’s force. “It destroyed their entire house,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. Brenda’s daughter and two young grandsons, ages [...]

Volunteers distribute emergency food bags and boxes to their communities in McDuffie and Aiken counties. In such a time as this, as countless families face unimaginable challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Golden Harvest Food Bank offers our deepest sympathy to all who have been impacted. The storm’s devastation has touched thousands across our area, but our commitment to this community is unwavering. We stand beside you, determined to support recovery at every step of the journey. Even before Helene, we were confronting the highest levels of food insecurity our region has seen in 15 years. After [...]

Dear Friends, I first want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming support after Hurricane Helene. The devastation our community faced was unlike anything we’ve seen before, but your response has been extraordinary. In the days following the storm, we received countless phone calls from concerned individuals eager to help. Local, state, and national leaders also offered their support, visited the food bank, and ensured we had the resources needed for recovery. Your compassion and dedication have been a lifeline, and thanks to our incredible volunteers, donors, supporters, and emergency responders, we’ve been able to provide critical relief [...]

Left to Right: Pastor Roscoe Perry of First Mt. Carmel; James and Theresa Briscoe, volunteers of First Mt. Carmel; Carolyn Andrews, Resident Service Specialist for East Georgia Housing Authority; and Krystel Paschal, Service Coordinator for Warrenton Housing Authority. When Hurricane Helene struck the CSRA, First Mt. Carmel Baptist Church became a shining light in the community. Despite the hurricane’s devastation—damaged homes, spoiled food, and neighborhoods left in darkness—church leaders and volunteers stepped up with unwavering spirit and compassion. They brought not just essentials but also a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and community. Just before [...]

Augusta’s soon-to-open grocery store, FreshTake, is already proving that its mission goes beyond just providing food—it’s about serving people. When Hurricane Helene delayed their grand opening, the FreshTake team didn’t let the setback stop them. Instead, they refocused their efforts to support Golden Harvest Food Bank. From packing meals to mopping floors, the FreshTake team brought their energy, heart, and humor to every task. “When you see the faces of the people you’re helping, it’s just amazing,” shared Shannon Blackburn, manager of FreshTake. Their spirit of giving is truly contagious, with associates even volunteering on weekends. “The little time [...]

Lindsey and her children pick up boxes of food items through the Summer Harvest Food Box program. Lindsey, a mother of four, has lived in rural Georgia since she was 16. Originally from West Virginia, she has faced many challenges, but her story is one of resilience and determination. With four children of her own, Lindsey’s family grew even larger when her sister and her kids moved in, resulting in a household of 13 children and four adults. “It’s hard,” she admits. “Even with the help of food stamps, it’s still not enough.” Despite the financial strain, [...]