Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia, to discuss efforts related to Hurricane Helene recovery. The visit included a roundtable discussion focused on the organization's role in providing food and support to families affected by the hurricane.
“At USDA, it is our job to get as much help as quickly as possible to as many people as possible in the wake of this storm,” said Deputy Secretary Torres Small. She praised local partners like Golden Harvest Food Bank for their work in supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The event highlighted ongoing coordination across the Biden-Harris Administration aimed at delivering disaster recovery support. Resources from the USDA are being mobilized to ensure that nutrition assistance reaches those in need promptly.
“Hurricane Helene has left a profound impact on our communities in all 24 counties in our service area, and the challenges families are facing are immense," stated Amy Breitmann, President and CEO of Golden Harvest Food Bank. "With continued partnership with the USDA and unwavering support from the Feeding America network, we will be able to respond swiftly and effectively.”
Golden Harvest's efforts have been bolstered by Feeding America, which operates over 200 food banks nationwide. These organizations have sent trucks with food and staff to assist relief operations in Augusta. Local partnerships with entities such as United Way and YMCA have also been crucial.
“As Golden Harvest and food banks across six states transition from immediate response to long-term recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the support of the Administration and USDA has been a vital resource for communities,” remarked Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America.
USDA staff are working alongside state and local officials to ensure that food assistance reaches those affected quickly. The Department announced that nearly one million households across 50 Georgia counties might qualify for its Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Flexibilities have been issued for nutrition programs affected by Hurricane Helene.
Additionally, contingency plans are being implemented to aid farmers, foresters, and communities needing support post-disaster. For more information on these initiatives, visit USDA’s Disaster Resource Center.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is focused on transforming America's food system towards resilience while ensuring equitable access to resources across various sectors. Further details can be found at www.usda.gov.
USDA remains committed as an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
