CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County is partnering with the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia to fight a growing regional “food emergency” brought on by government shutdown delays in SNAP benefits. The delay has left thousands of families struggling to put food on the table.
The Food Bank serves a 15-county region, including Habersham, where about 70,000 people depend on SNAP for meals.
“Around 5,200 of these individuals are our own Habersham County neighbors, friends, and loved ones that depend on SNAP benefits for nutritional meals,” said Habersham County Clerk Brandy Carnes in an email announcing the county’s ‘Share the Harvest’ food drive and fundraiser.
The pause in federal aid has emptied shelves faster than usual, creating what the food bank calls “an unprecedented level of need.”
“Their resources have been stretched thin, and they are now stating that the region has moved from a state of ‘food insecurity’ to ‘food emergency,’” said Carnes.
‘Fill the Truck’ food drive
To help with this regional emergency, Habersham County has scheduled a “Fill the Truck” food drive. The drive kicks off on Monday, November 10, and will run through Friday, December 13.
On the last day of the food drive, the Food Bank will send a truck to the Habersham County Administrative Building at 130 Jacob’s Way in Clarkesville to collect the donations. Members of the public and organizations are encouraged to drop off non-perishable, unexpired food in non-breakable containers at the administration building before or on that date.
All food must be sealed and in its original packaging. High-demand items include instant grits or oatmeal, trail mix, fruit snacks, cereal, granola or protein bars, and meal kits such as Hamburger Helper, soup mix, or instant rice. Other requested foods include canned meals with pop-tops, microwaveable meal cups, canned meats, peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars, applesauce pouches, and shelf-stable milk or juice boxes.
Municipal Courts food drive
Municipal courts across Habersham are also collecting food from November 17 through December 15. According to Clarkesville Clerk of Court Samara Key, donations of unexpired canned goods and other non-perishable food items are welcome.
Suggested food items include canned meats, peanut butter, cereal, instant meals, protein bars, and shelf-stable milk or juice. Drop-off locations include:
- Clarkesville Police Department (405 Madison St.)
- Demorest Police Department (465 Georgia St.)
- Alto Police Department (3895 Gainesville Hwy.)
- Baldwin Police Department (155 Willingham Ave.)
Online fundraiser aims to raise $15,000
Alongside the food drives, Habersham County has launched a verified online campaign through the Food Bank’s donation portal at give.classy.org/habersham.
Individuals can donate directly or create team pages through the “Join Team” option to encourage workplace or group giving.
Every $2 donated provides five meals through the Food Bank’s wholesale buying power. A $10 donation covers a senior’s nutrition bag, while $100 can fund weekend meals for an entire classroom.
Donation impact:
$10 – Nutrition bag for one senior
$25 – Grocery box for a family of four for one week
$50 – Supports food access through the Food Bank’s “Sharing Floor”
$100 – Weekend meal bags for one classroom
$250 – Small “pop-up pantry” serving 50 families
$750 – Mobile food distribution serving about 200 families
For more information or to arrange large food donations, contact County Clerk Brandalin Carnes at 706-839-0215 or bcarnes@habershamga.com.
Ongoing food donations
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia regularly accepts donations at its warehouses in Athens and Clayton. Donations may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at either location:
- 890 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30607
- 46 Plaza Way, Clayton, Ga 30525
