Latest News
Press Release: Golden Harvest Food Bank Shares Cold Weather Preparedness Tips and Service Updates
AUGUSTA (01/21/26) - As colder weather moves into the region and the potential for icy conditions increases, Golden Harvest Food Bank is encouraging neighbors to prepare ahead when possible. “We know that the most vulnerable in our communities are impacted most by weather events, especially neighbors who lack housing or the ability to stock up on food and resources ahead of time,” said Amy Breitmann, President and CEO of Golden Harvest Food Bank. “Planning ahead, when possible, can help ensure families have what they need if travel becomes difficult or power outages occur.” Community members who are able are encouraged [...]
From Amy’s Desk: When Community Responds, Hope Follows
Dear Friends, As we begin a new year, I am filled with gratitude for the way this community comes together when challenges arise. The recent government shutdown created unexpected strain for many families across our service area, and your support made it possible for us to respond quickly and with compassion. What could have been a season marked by uncertainty became a reminder of how strong we are when we stand together. Across our 24 counties, partners, volunteers, and supporters worked side by side to keep food moving where it was needed most. Every shift served, every donation given, [...]
Strength Through the Shutdown
Kenya talks about the challenges her family faced during the government shutdown. For Kenya, every day begins the same way. Before sunrise, before quiet gives way to the sound of little feet. There’s breakfast to make, bottles to prepare, clothes to lay out. With one child in school, a baby on her hip, and another on the way, mornings in her Lincoln County home are full of motion and love. But lately, that love has been stretched thin. When the government shutdown interrupted SNAP benefits, Kenya felt the fear rise immediately. “I was looking at the pantry [...]
Answering the Call, Together
When the shutdown created uncertainty around essential supports for millions of Americans, one message echoed across the nation: “Go to your local food bank for help." From hurricanes to the pandemic, our team has learned how to respond quickly when crisis hits. This time was no different. Within days of the announcement, food orders were doubled, an emergency distribution plan was activated, and fourteen truckloads of food were routed to our warehouses in Augusta and Aiken. Partner fees were lifted to ensure our hunger relief network could move food freely to families in need. Views on our [...]
Neighbors Serving Neighbors
Left to Right: Debbie Johnson (Volunteer), Logan Ford (Director of ACTS), Linda McCollum (Volunteer) At ACTS of Aiken (Area Churches Together Serving), compassion looks like action. For 39 years, this network of more than 70 churches has been a cornerstone of care, meeting essential needs through food, clothing, transportation, and emergency assistance. But when the government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits this fall, ACTS faced a new challenge as families who had never needed help before were suddenly at their door. “We started getting calls and emails even before the shutdown began,” said Logan Ford, Executive Director of [...]
A Transformational Gift and a Record Year for It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®
This year, our community came together with extraordinary generosity to make It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® one of the most impactful campaigns in its 33-year history. From businesses and schools to churches, families, and first-time donors, our neighbors showed what is possible when we act together. A Transformational $1 Million Gift Golden Harvest Food Bank is honored to announce a transformational one million dollar gift from Rob and Pam Johnston that will strengthen and expand the impact of It’s Spooky to Be Hungry® over the next decade. The Johnstons have long been champions of the Aiken community and have [...]