Augusta Launches 33rd Annual “It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®” Drive

Augusta, Georgia – The Golden Harvest Food Bank has officially kicked off its 33rd Annual “It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®” Drive, a campaign aimed at combating food insecurity in the region. The initiative works to engage community leaders as Spooky Captains within Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken counties, drawing in support to help feed those in need.

The “It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®” Drive was first launched in 1992. Over the years, it has successfully united neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and volunteers to raise funds and collect food to assist families battling hunger. This year, the campaign sets a significant goal of raising $400,000 to support hunger relief across the 24 counties served by Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Addressing Rising Food Insecurity

Food insecurity in Georgia has reached a troubling 15-year high, with statistics indicating that one in four children is at risk of hunger. The need for community involvement has never been greater, as organizations like Golden Harvest strive to tackle this pressing issue.

Doressa Hawes, who oversees Corporate Partnerships and Volunteerism at Golden Harvest, highlights the importance of community participation. The role of Spooky Captains is crucial, as they are tasked with motivating their neighborhoods and inspiring acts of generosity during this critical time.

Past Success and Future Goals

Last year, even amid challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the drive succeeded in raising over $300,000. This significant amount facilitated the provision of hundreds of thousands of meals to families in need. Building on this success, the current campaign aims to surpass previous fundraising efforts, demonstrating the community’s resilience and commitment to alleviating hunger.

How the Community Can Participate

Community members are encouraged to become Spooky Captains to help promote the cause and facilitate food and financial donations. Alternatively, individuals can support the drive through direct donations or by participating in fundraising activities. For more details on how to get involved, interested parties can visit the campaign’s dedicated website.

Weather Conditions in Augusta

As the drive gets underway, Augusta is facing adverse weather conditions. Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the area, indicating potential gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Additionally, the forecast shows a 70% chance of rain, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected to affect outdoor fundraising events in the coming days.

Conclusion

As the “It’s Spooky to Be Hungry®” Drive commences, the effort highlights not just the challenge of feeding hungry families but also the collective power of communities coming together to support one another. With increased participation this year, Golden Harvest Food Bank hopes to make significant strides in combating food insecurity throughout Georgia.