Golden Harvest Food Bank Founder and first Executive Director Mike Firmin stands with his family in front of the Food Bank’s original location
When I reflect on the thousands who have shaped Golden Harvest into what is today, I am humbled and grateful. What started 40 years ago as a small operation distributing 167,000 meals now provides more than 11 million meals a year in 25 counties through warehouses in Aiken, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia.
From the supporters whose gifts helped build the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen to the corporate groups that pack meal kits for children in need to the volunteers who sort produce at our Aiken facility, I am awed by what our community has accomplished together.
Each year, we distribute food through over 350 partner agencies and programs, reaching hundreds of thousands of families in need. Non-profit agencies, church pantries, schools, and community centers are the network that ensures hungry neighbors have a place to turn.
And we need you now more than ever as we look to a brighter and fresher future for those we serve. You have said “Yes” to the hard work of alleviating hunger in our community, and we have made enormous strides together—but our work is not done.
JaLisa and her family receive fresh oranges, milk, chicken and a box of pantry staples at a Mobile Market distribution
More than a year ago, when our Board of Directors met to map out the measures needed to close the meal gap in our service area, we realized the enormity of this goal. It became clear that we had to begin by building capacity. We would need to update and refurbish our aging Augusta warehouse facilities to better serve our partners, welcome volunteers to work alongside us, and provide the best training for those on the front lines of hunger.
The significant amount of work and planning that has gone into the new facilities will enable the Food Bank to get more healthy food to more people, gain efficiency, and present a welcoming environment for our volunteers, neighbors who need us, and the community at large.
Golden Harvest Food 2022 Bank Board of Directors and Executive Staff
It’s an exciting time to be involved with the Food Bank. As we embark upon the next chapter of Golden Harvest’s history, l invite you to join us in the ongoing pursuit of our mission to build a healthy and hunger-free tomorrow. Every dollar toward these impactful and far-reaching projects matters, helping to ensure that we can purchase, house, process, and distribute the food that will truly empower our neighbors to flourish.
Thanks for your willingness and ongoing commitment to making the heavy loads of so many lives a little lighter. I look forward to building a fresher future together.
