Finding Solutions: Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries helping with food insecurity
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Food insecurity is no stranger to our area, and it’s growing every day.
In a new report, Golden Harvest found that across the 24 counties it serves, every one in six of your neighbors, and one in four children are facing food insecurity.
One organization that’s been in our area for nearly 50 years is making it its mission to feed the hungry.
They’re finding solutions in holding mobile markets to get the food out quicker and easier.
It’s a group that hasn’t stopped giving despite the need only increasing.
The Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries is made up of volunteers from 14 area churches that combine their resources to run a food pantry in the heart of downtown Augusta.
Finding Solutions: Red Shield Youth Center holds re-opening ceremony
Community come together for the ribbon cutting of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Youth Center, which was formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club.
“It’s really gratifying for our volunteers because we get to see the people we’re helping. As they are driving through, some will have tears in their eyes and are so grateful, and some will tell us ‘I used to be on the other end of this, and was donating to United Way and never thought I would need help,’” said Dennis Sodomka, board vp, Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries.
Sodomka says they serve primarily Georgia residents.
They hold about 16 food distribution events on Saturdays each year, where those in need can drive through or walk up to receive a variety of food. Sodomka says they started holding these events after COVID.
“The first year we started doing the drive-thru, we gave away about 100,000 pounds of food, the next year was 200,000, the next year 300,000, and then last year, 2024, we gave away 400,000 pounds of food,” said Sodomka.
They partner with Golden Harvest Food Bank to purchase food and also receive food from area grocery stores.
They give away canned goods, frozen meats and fruits, desserts, juice, diapers and even eggs.
“We wish there wasn’t a need for this ministry. We wish we didn’t have to exist, but as long as people need food, we will be here, and we are blessed to have so many volunteers.”
Finding Solutions: Steps of Grace gives children with special needs a place to dance
Steps of Grace is celebrating 14 years and has grown from a single ballet class to multiple classes where kids can get dance instruction while also addressing important skills that children with special needs may have difficulty with.
Volunteers like Elaine Leath, who has been with DCCM since 2016.
”It makes you really feel good because you know you’re helping someone and somebody that really needs it and appreciates it. That’s what makes it fun and easy,” said Leath.
Sodomka says the best way people can help is through donations and volunteering.
“People want to be a part of helping each other, I think because there’s a lot of goodness, and I think this is where we come together and help each other,” said Sodomka.
Their next mobile market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the parking lot of Saint John United Methodist Church.
It’s located off Telfair Street.
You can walk up or drive through.
They ask that you bring a photo ID.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help the downtown cooperative church ministries, their information can be found by clicking this link: https://dccmpantry.org/
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
