Local church prepares for community food giveaway

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Mount Zion Baptist Church on Lumpkin Road is preparing for a community food giveaway scheduled for Thursday.

The Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition is organizing the event at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Lumpkin Road, providing free bags of food from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or while supplies last.

The distribution aims to feed 2,000 people.

“In my local congregation, we’ve got several people who work on the fort, and as you know, they’re furloughed,” said Chavas Boyd, pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

The food drive comes as people relying on SNAP benefits may have to wait weeks before seeing relief, even after the government reopens.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says funds could be available within 24 hours for most states once the government reopens, but it’s unclear whether that timeline applies to when money would be available for states or loaded onto debit cards for people to use.

Faith and community leaders gathered at Mount Zion’s gym to prepare for the distribution. A delayed delivery meant volunteers only got to set up tables the night before the event.

“We are in the community and we have to make our presence felt. And we’re living in a crisis time right now,” said Johnny Hampton, senior pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Christopher Johnson of the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition said helping neighbors is part of their responsibility.

“That’s our responsibility. That’s responsibility of good citizenship, but also good responsibility of good neighborhood. Neighbors, we can’t just look at our neighbor and omit our neighbors,” Johnson said.

Hampton emphasized taking the situation one day at a time.

“Our job right now is basically to take care of this day. And tomorrow, Lord, let us be here. We’ll take care of that day. So we’re gonna take it a day at a time,” he said.

The food distribution is part of ongoing community efforts to fill gaps as the government shutdown continues and hunger issues persist in the area.

The giveaway is open to anyone who needs help; one bag per household. People coming to the event should bring government identification.