The Golden Corner Food Pantry is the largest food pantry in Oconee County, serving nearly 2,000 low-income and disadvantaged people each month with emergency and supplemental food. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we work closely with local churches, civic organizations and other charities in the County to identify and include needy families. About 200 volunteers meet with clients; collect donated food; unload, sort, store and package the food for distribution each Monday through Friday. Depending on availability, a typical distribution includes a balanced mixture of canned food and staples, fresh breads and pastries, fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, milk and eggs. The food comes from local donations (grocery stores, food drives), or is purchased with donated funds, primarily through Bargain Foods and our Food Bank (Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina).
We distribute about 1.0 million pounds of food annually to an average of 850 households per month, including nearly 250 seniors. All distribution is based on need, tied to federal poverty guidelines, and verified periodically. Clients can come once a month and typically receive one to two weeks’ worth of food. Our “Food for Families” Program helps families and single mothers transition through unexpected events and periods of unemployment. Our “Food For Seniors” Program ensures seniors have sufficient and balanced food to improve their quality of life.
Some clients do come every month, but many come only for a few months until they get back on their feet. Others just come a few times a year when they run into shortages or financial issues and need help feeding their family. Whether they are seniors, single mothers, or families; or regular or occasional clients; one thing is the same: People tell us they couldn’t make it without the help they get from the Golden Corner Food Pantry.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide emergency and supplemental food to disadvantaged and low income residents of Oconee County. We provide food for temporary relief until people can get back on their feet (emergency) or food for those who can’t quite make ends meet and need occasional help in getting by (supplemental). Clients qualify for our service if their gross household income is less than 150% of the Federal poverty level, or if they are unemployed or disabled.