Augusta, GA
Local kids’ hunger could spike this summer as aid program ends
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – School’s almost out for summer break, which means low-income families who rely on the school to feed their kids two a day will now have to figure out how to give them three.
In many states, these families can get help from the federal government paying for their groceries over the summer.
But not in Georgia and South Carolina, which opted out of continuing the summer EBT program.
That’s why LaDonna Doleman at the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen says she is worried about what this summer is going to look like.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said no earlier this year to continuing the summer EBT program. He said the program lacks basic nutrition requirements and can’t be sustained.
“That was a COVID-related benefit, extra,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said. “We’ve got to get back to doing normal business. We can’t be doing that forever.”
The program provides these low-income families with around $350 to $450 that is spread across three months.
Master’s Kitchen is already serving nearly 10,000 trays a month. But once school is out, she expects the numbers to at least double, but she’s afraid they may actually triple.
The summer months are already hard on Golden Harvest Food Bank, which operates the soup kitchen. But this year, the problem is expected to be worse, and the food bank is calling on anyone who can lend a helping hand.
How can you help?
One way to help will come this weekend, during the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
On Saturday, letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations from residents nationwide to help combat food insecurity and provide food items to those in need.
Letter carriers will collect the donations as they deliver mail along their usual routes.
All donations accepted locally will be distributed by Golden Harvest Food Bank and its partner agencies across its 25-county service area.
“In the battle against hunger, unity is our greatest strength,” said Amy Breitmann, president and CEO of Golden Harvest. “Partnering with the NALC through the Stamp Out Hunger food drive each year reaffirms our dedication to our families in need and amplifies our commitment to making sure no one in our community goes hungry.”
The Stamp Out Hunger campaign has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food for families experiencing food insecurity locally and nationwide since it was first held in 1983.
For more information on recommended food items to donate visit https://goldenharvest.org/donate-food/what-to-donate/.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A traffic stop attempt by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office ended in a rollover crash Friday afternoon after the driver refused to stop, authorities said.
Deputies attempted to stop the red 2017 Honda Civic around 2:22 p.m. on Peach Orchard Road near Mike Padgett Highway, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver continued south on Mike Padgett Highway before traveling east on Marvin Griffin Road, deputies said.
The pursuit ended near Marvin Griffin Road and Doug Barnard Parkway when the driver lost control, went into a ditch and crashed through a fence at the Augusta Water Works Wastewater Treatment Facility, according to authorities. The car overturned.
The driver had visible injuries that were described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said warrants will be served after the driver is released from the hospital. Charges are expected to include multiple traffic violations, including felony fleeing or attempting to elude and DUI.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The VA Augusta Healthcare System cut the ribbon on its new emergency ambulance service on Thursday.
The in-house medical transportation program is designed to ensure specialized care for veterans with complex medical needs.
“So we have two new ambulances that we have put into service officially,” said James Doelling, the interim executive director of VA Augusta Healthcare System. “This is for us to be able to, through patient safety and get veterans where they need to be, when they need to be, to make sure we’re given the best care anywhere in our nation’s heroes. We’re really excited. As you are aware, we are the only four star facility in the Augusta area, and this is only going to make us even better and deliver exceptional care to our heroes.”
The VA said it hopes the service will reduce delays and better support veterans.
Photojournalist credit: Dania Alawir
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A driver is in custody after leading Richmond County deputies on a chase that ended in a rollover crash Thursday evening.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies say they attempted to stop a black BMW sedan with no registration plate on Tubman Home Road at Gordon Highway around 6:30 p.m.
The driver, Willie Junior Brown, 33, failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit, according law enforcement.
Deputies say Brown lost control of the vehicle on the 2500 block of Blueberry Drive, striking an unoccupied 1999 Chevrolet Silverado.
Brown’s vehicle rolled over and he then attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
Deputies say Brown was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Several criminal charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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