News Summary
The Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta is launching its modified ‘Spooky to be Hungry’ campaign on October 1st. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity worsened by Hurricane Helene. The campaign encourages local community members, schools, and businesses to join as ‘spooky captains’ to raise funds and awareness. With a goal of $300,000 in donations, the food bank emphasizes monetary contributions over food collection due to high demand. Community participation is vital in fighting hunger, especially as the need for assistance has reached unprecedented levels.
Augusta, Georgia – The Golden Harvest Food Bank is set to launch its modified “Spooky to be Hungry” campaign on October 1st, an annual initiative aimed at combating rising food insecurity levels, particularly after the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This year, the campaign focuses on encouraging community members, schools, businesses, and local organizations to unite in their efforts to “scare away hunger.”
The organization is currently seeking “spooky captains” to spearhead fundraising and awareness-raising efforts in their respective areas. Captains can hail from neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and other organizations in Augusta, Richmond County, Columbia County, and Aiken Counties. There is no limit to the number of captains that can join the campaign, allowing for widespread community participation.
Following Hurricane Helene, which significantly impacted the Augusta region, the Golden Harvest Food Bank has adapted its campaign to prioritize monetary donations over traditional food collection. This adjustment is crucial given the increased need for assistance, with food insecurity now at the highest level in 15 years. It is reported that one in four children in the Augusta area is currently affected by hunger.
For every $2 donated, the food bank can provide five meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity. Golden Harvest maintains strong relationships with food suppliers, allowing them to purchase food at lower costs, thereby maximizing the impact of the donations received.
The upcoming campaign aims to raise $300,000 in donations, with a commitment from Rob and Pam Johnston to contribute an additional $50,000 once the initial goal is met. The campaign will run until November 7th, during which businesses, schools, and organizations are encouraged to compete in fundraising efforts. Those who raise the most funds will receive a trophy as recognition of their contributions.
One of the notable participants is Kristen Lawhon, who coordinates the Spooky to be Hungry campaign for the Springlakes neighborhood. Her goal this year is to raise $5,000, building on last year’s successful total of $3,000.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Golden Harvest Food Bank has reported a remarkable community response, with over 650,000 meals distributed since the hurricane struck. The organization operates across a service area of 11,000 square miles, spanning 24 counties, and continues to provide food assistance through ongoing efforts. In the last three weeks alone, 134 food drops have been executed, demonstrating the urgency of food distribution efforts in the region.
Support from community members and volunteers has been instrumental in packing emergency supplies and ensuring food is delivered to those in need. With soaring demand for assistance, the food bank urges the community to get involved and help address the growing food insecurity crisis exacerbated by the recent hurricane devastation. The need is significant, and every contribution can make a difference in the fight against hunger.
To participate in the Spooky to be Hungry campaign, individuals can set up virtual drives or contribute through the dedicated website. The success of this initiative will depend on the collective effort of the community to come together and support those affected by hunger during these challenging times.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Join the Fight Against Hunger with Spooky to be Hungry Drive
- Augusta Chronicle: Spooky to be Hungry Food Drive Continues After Hurricane Helene
- WRDW: Golden Harvest Provides Thousands of Meals to Community
- Google Search: Food Insecurity
- Augusta Chronicle: The Master’s Table Seeing More Hungry as Helene Recovery Continues
- Wikipedia: Hunger in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
