Since 1981, the Augusta Food Bank has been working to feed the needy folks of our area. Established by a group of Augusta churches, it is located in space made available at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Warehouse storage is provided at South Parish Congregational Church.
We read that welfare rolls are dropping and notice that some regular clients have not been in. However, a great number of clients appearing every month are disabled and cannot work, are elderly, or can only find part time jobs. Many new clients are people experiencing lay-offs or are between jobs. The difficulty of keeping food on the table is apparent.
In 1981, about 150 persons were fed each month. In October 1998 groceries for 3 meals a day for a week were provided for 688 persons, including 177 children, totaling 14,427 meals. Today, the food bank provides a week's worth of groceries for Augusta residents in need once every thirty days.
Tons of food are donated without which the food bank could not exist. Following is a list of foods most needed, although all foods are welcome.
tuna fish | pasta products |
peanut butter | canned soups |
macaroni & cheese | canned stews |
baked beans | canned spaghetti |
canned vegetables | canned meats |
muffin/cake mixes | milk (dry/canned) |
Jello | flour |
cereal | saltine crackers |
The food bank is managed by a Board of Directors. Participating churches are encouraged to appoint a representative to the Board. There is no paid staff at the food bank. All operations are performed entirely by volunteers, over 30 every week. Volunteers are needed to:
If you would like to volunteer, please see Millie Foster, Food Bank President at 2pm on Wednesdays at the Food Bank, or call the church office at St. Mark's (622-2424).
Donations of food can be left at St. Marks Church, 9 Summer Street, Augusta on weekdays between 9 and 12:30.