When Hurricane Michael hit South Georgia in October of 2018, areas in its path were impacted in ways that caused immediate needs. Not only were structures damaged, but homes, businesses and schools were without electricity, causing disruption in the usual daily routines. Although the daunting and overwhelming task of recovery was a high priority for many, it was overshadowed by the simple necessity of having food to eat and clean water to drink. Second Harvest of South Georgia was there to bridge the gap in supplying food for families in that situation that were affected by the storm.
Second Harvest has been relieving the burden of food deprivation for families for approximately 37 years. By making food more easily and affordably accessible, the lack of a consistent food source is minimized for those in need, young and old, working and unemployed. The food bank relies on donations of perishable and non-perishable food items, volunteers and monetary donations. The organization is headquartered in Valdosta and with branches in Albany, Douglas and Thomasville the majority of its county coverage area was affected by Hurricane Michael.
Expansion of the facility in Thomasville was fortunately completed just in time for the additional needs in that area after the storm. More storage, a larger kitchen and expanded floor space allowed them to assist and service the larger-than-normal numbers of requests for assistance after the storm. The need for some families is daily; for others a little less frequently, but assistance is ongoing for this area regardless of the weather. Students, adults, civic groups, church groups and businesses can get involved in various ways – even members of the Georgia House and State Senate have participated in packing boxes for the food bank. Representatives from AgGeorgia, CoBank and Southwest Georgia Farm Credit got in the on the act as well in the aftermath of Michael, presenting a monetary gift to Second Harvest that helped covered the costs of transporting needed supplies and food in the wake of the storm. “This monetary donation will continue to provide assistance to our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Michael,” said Eliza McCall of Second Harvest.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to Second Harvest of South Georgia to assist those in need, visit their website at http://feedingsga.org/.