AUGUSTA, Ga. – As hunger persists as a pressing issue, many organizations in our region are working tirelessly to tackle the problem, while policymakers in Washington are still searching for a viable solution.

Meanwhile, one determined woman from Augusta is taking proactive steps to support her community by addressing food insecurity directly.

The current government shutdown has now become the longest in United States history.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of SNAP benefits, Tajuana Caldwell is stepping up to make a difference, driven by her commitment to help those in need.

“We have a large family. I am blessed with 10 children and 17 grandchildren, so I understand the struggle,” Caldwell shared.

Caldwell and her husband, Gerard, are stocking up on food supplies, preparing for an event they’re calling “Feed the Kids”—they say it’s their goal to feed at least 200 people. 

“You’ve got to give in order to get back. They say it’s better to give than receive, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said.

They’re planning to feed the youth at their apartment complex and East Boundary Street, which falls in Commissioner Jordan Johnson’s district.

At Tuesday’s commission meeting, Golden Harvest Food Bank told him and other commissioners their calls are up by 600 percent. 

Johnson continues to call for action.

“We need the community to band together now more than the community has banded together before. There are tens of thousands of people in our community who are being impacted by the decisions in Washington D.C. right now,” said Johnson.

As for ways to help Golden Harvest, city leaders say those conversations are ongoing.

“We’re having those conversations as we speak to find out how we can best help,” Johnson said. “We should have more information by the end of this week or next, but folks should know that this is a concern that’s on top of all of our minds.”

But with this effort by the Caldwell’s, he says it’s a big part of the solution to help those struggling around the Garden City. 

“That’s the story of Augusta, and I think that we need to amplify it. I encourage more people to find ways to give back while folks have this need,” said Johnson.

The Caldwells are disabled, but with children and grandchildren of their own, the couple says that’s not stopping them from wanting to make an impact. 

“They go to school Monday through Friday, so they’re guaranteed breakfast and lunch. But what about Saturday and Sunday when they’re home? Now with no SNAP, who knows what they’re eating for lunch and dinner,” said Caldwell. “I’m not an organization—I’m paying for this out of my own pocket. I’m not coming home with anything—I want to make sure as many people as I can to eat is going to eat.”

Caldwell says she plans to start passing out food this Saturday at 12 PM, and won’t stop until they’ve run out of food.

She plans to have fried chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and juices for children.

She says they will meet at their apartment complex center, located at 1550 15th Street in Augusta.

You can reach Caldwell by email at Tajuanamanners4@gmail.com.