Golden Harvest adds food pantry downtown - The Augusta Chronicle

Golden Harvest adds food pantry downtown - The Augusta Chronicle
Amanda King @kingamandap

Friday

Jun 7, 2019 at 3:57 PM Jun 7, 2019 at 3:57 PM

Golden Harvest Food Bank's Master's Table Soup Kitchen begins providing groceries for clients.

As summertime begins, many families in the Augusta area find their wallets tighten just a bit.

With increased utility costs for air conditioning and children who received free or reduced meals from the school system, families often have a difficult time putting food on the table. Golden Harvest Food Bank has helped those who fall on hard times with mobile food pantries but is adding a major location to its list.

Friday morning was the first time groceries were made available to guests at the nonprofit's Master's Table Soup Kitchen and more dates will be announced on Golden Harvest's website and social media in the future. Golden Harvest is also planning to add pantries at Wilkinson Gardens and Hornsby elementary schools this summer as they work with the Richmond County Schools' wraparound services.

The soup kitchen on Fenwick Street serves hot lunches 365 days per year. It's estimated the facility serves 250-300 people daily with an increase during the summer months. Now, individuals can pick up groceries there including fresh fruits and vegetables to ease the burden of food costs at home. It also gives Golden Harvest volunteers and staff an opportunity for face-to-face time with guests to meet their needs.

"This is one of the places we can be most hands-on with the clients and see how we can best provide them with the most nutrition in the most efficient way," Alexander said.

The new location will also help those who are unable to travel to grocery stores. After the Kroger on 15th Street closed in 2017, downtown became a "food desert" according to Alexander. Some people were limited to buying groceries at convenient stores with higher-priced food and often unhealthy food options.

Food served at the mobile pantries is provided by the USDA but the cost to transport and store the food is through donors.

"This is your tax dollars at work," Alexander said. "We are given this food by the federal government with the instruction to give it to people in need."