Local food banks see surge in demand as federal assistance remains uncertain

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local food banks report doubling and tripling numbers as new faces seek help for the first time.

The Augusta Dream Center served 554 families in one day, according to Executive Director Kellie Newman.

“We see our numbers doubling and tripling every day,” said Hallie Kohan, assistant director at Augusta Dream Center.

Newman said the situation feels like a crisis that has caught organizations off guard.

“This feels like a crisis. This is a crisis that’s happening and it’s kind of just snuck up on us,” Newman said. “I don’t think we realized how the government shutdown, how it was gonna have this domino effect.”

Family Promise of Augusta launched an emergency food drive to address growing need.

“We have government workers who aren’t receiving paychecks, therefore, you know, they’re facing food insecurities and they’re just as important as it is for our unhoused community right now,” said Christina Williams, an intern at Family Promise of Augusta who came up with the food drive idea.

Executive Director Jennifer Ferguson said donations can be made at Family Promise on Wheeler Road or at Dave and Busters. The organization plans to partner with other companies for additional donation sites.

The Augusta Dream Center will be open on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for those needing groceries. They will also serve Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again on Sunday.

“We are trying to break barriers down for you and help feed your family. We’re not trying to add any barriers in your life,” Kohan said.

Newman said they expect the need to continue to grow and are working with Golden Harvest food bank and other agencies to find solutions.

“Some people are just really at the mercy of unfortunate circumstances that they have no control over,” Newman said.

Family Promise says you can go online to donate money, or you can go to the location on Wheeler Road to donate as well.

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