USDA leads support in Georgia post-hurricane

Deputy Secretary highlights USDA's role in hurricane relief efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, demonstrating the USDA's commitment to disaster recovery. Her presence underscored the federal response geared towards aiding communities struck by the hurricane.

During her visit, Torres Small engaged in discussions that spotlighted the food bank's essential role in delivering relief to hurricane-hit families. She commended the collaborative efforts that ensure those affected receive necessary aid without delay.

Golden Harvest has actively partnered with Feeding America and local organizations, including United Way and the YMCA, to bolster support for the region.

The combined efforts have resulted in significant resource mobilization to address the immediate challenges faced by local families.

The USDA has facilitated substantial support through its Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), reaching nearly a million households in Georgia.

Flexibilities in the program help provide quick and efficient food aid, including allowances for purchasing prepared foods and replacing lost SNAP benefits.

This visit highlighted the USDA’s ongoing initiatives to provide critical support during the recovery phase, ensuring affected communities have access to essential resources.

Through strategic partnerships and program adaptations, the USDA remains dedicated to aiding those impacted by Hurricane Helene and enhancing community resilience against future disasters.