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Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small recently visited Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia to discuss the organization’s efforts in providing food and support to local families following Hurricane Helene. During her visit, Deputy Secretary Torres Small commended the collaborative work of local partners, such as Golden Harvest Food Bank, in ensuring that those affected by the hurricane receive the assistance they need.

Golden Harvest Food Bank has been working tirelessly to address the impact of Hurricane Helene across all 24 counties in its service area. With support from USDA and organizations like Feeding America, the food bank has been able to respond swiftly to meet the urgent needs of the community. In addition to local partnerships, Feeding America has dispatched trucks and staff from various food banks to assist in relief efforts in Augusta.

As the community transitions from immediate response to long-term recovery, support from USDA, FEMA, and other government entities remains crucial in ensuring access to nutritious food for those affected by the storm. USDA has announced the availability of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for households in 50 Georgia counties, with flexibilities and waivers in place to help emergency meal providers reach more people quickly.

USDA continues to work with states, local officials, and partners to ensure that food and nutrition assistance reaches those in need. With a focus on transforming America’s food system and promoting equity, USDA is committed to building resilient food systems, fair markets for producers, and access to healthy food for all communities. For more information on USDA’s response to Hurricanes Helene, visit the Disaster Resource Center on the USDA website.

Golden Harvest Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that serves the hungry in eastern Georgia and western South Carolina. Through a network of partner agencies, the food bank distributed over 14 million meals in fiscal year 2024.

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