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
Volunteers help clean up Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Organizers of a Magnolia Cemetery cleanup say hundreds of people showed up all ages to help clean up the historic site.
From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, volunteers showed up with brooms, shovels and other supplies to help. The land houses five Jewish cemeteries and a Greek cemetery along with a Masonic lodge and several church sections.
“It’s such a peaceful place,” said Kevin de l’Aigle. “It’s such a place of solace in this crazy world we live in. It’s a great place to come and just find some peace and walk around among the beautiful grounds. For me, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, so it’s more like a park. I mean, all my ancestors, my dad’s buried here. But for me, it’s just like I get a sense of peace here that I don’t get anywhere else.”
And recently, a woman from Boston donated $25,000 to the cemetery.
The Magnolia Cemetery is home to a crepe Myrtle that’s said to be the oldest tree in the state of Georgia.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta National Golf Club rolls out fresh sod at Eisenhower Park
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta National Golf Club on Friday laid down new sod at Eisenhower Park.
The club leased the park to use for parking during this year’s Masters Tournament.
That meant a layer of gravel for the cars to park on.
But on Friday, crews rolled out sod, leaving the park in better condition than it had been in before.
Now the public can enjoy the green space for the rest of the year.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Atlanta Braves, Golden Harvest team up to fight hunger
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Partners with the Atlanta Braves teamed up with Golden Harvest on Friday to help fight hunger in Augusta.
It’s part of the efforts of the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
20 season ticket holders and staff helped create backpacks helping the community by taking part in the food packing project.
Those backpacks are helping families have additional food resources as students finish the school year.
The vice president of the GreenJackets spoke about giving back.
“I mean 9 a.m. we had a game last night that went pretty long everyone looks like they are having a good time. Like I said it’s good for staff and season ticket holders to get together to do something for the community,” said Tom Denlinger.
On Friday night, the Braves’ country road trip is headed to SRP Park, and the partnership continues this weekend, helping set up Thunder Over Evans on Saturday.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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