Press Release

Financial lifeline supports Georgia farmers in the wake of Hurricane Helene

January 22nd, 2025 | 3 min read

CareSource partners with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture to deliver critical relief to rural communities

ATLANTA (CARESOURCE) – In an effort to support Georgia’s farmers recovering from Hurricane Helene, CareSource donated $40,000 to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA). The funding will bolster the Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to family-owned and generational farms affected by the hurricane.

“Strong communities are built on solid foundations, and agriculture serves as the backbone of Georgia’s economy,” said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia president. "This contribution underscores our commitment to enhancing the health and resilience of rural communities. Through our partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, we are supporting families and fostering resilient communities by supporting economic stability and mental well-being in rural areas.”

Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia’s agricultural sector, resulting in an estimated $6.46 billion in economic losses across the state’s agriculture and forestry industries. The storm destroyed thousands of acres of farmland, toppled mature timber, disrupted poultry production and left dairy facilities without power. Farmers now face the immense burden of rebuilding essential infrastructure—such as fencing, barns and equipment storage—which is often not fully covered by insurance or government aid.

CareSource’s donation will help fund one of GFA’s key initiatives, providing direct financial assistance to support the recovery of farmers and rural communities. More than 200 farmers will receive critical financial assistance to cover expenses such as structural repairs, equipment replacement and livestock care. Funding will go toward restoring damaged barns, fences, cropland and essential equipment, as well as seed and soil recovery.

“This generous donation from CareSource is a lifeline for many Georgia farmers who are facing extraordinary challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene,” said Lily Baucom, executive director, GFA. “Their support allows us to directly address urgent needs while also laying the groundwork for a more resilient agricultural community. We are deeply grateful for this partnership with CareSource.”

This relief effort aligns with findings from recent community health needs assessments, which highlight the importance of agriculture in sustaining the health, economic stability and food security of Georgia’s rural areas. By addressing critical gaps not met by other support programs, the Weathered But Strong fund enables farmers to initiate recovery efforts promptly. This support ensures that farmers can repair essential infrastructure, replant fields and continue their vital work of feeding and supporting local communities.

The significance of this donation was also highlighted by Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Georgia’s farm families are the backbone of our state’s economy and our #1 industry – agriculture,” said Commissioner Harper. “I cannot thank CareSource enough for their generous donation to the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund. CareSource, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, and the many other organizations supporting WBS exemplify the type of collaboration needed to ensure Georgia farmers can recover and continue to thrive. I’m grateful for their dedication to strengthening Georgia’s agricultural community and advancing rural health care.”

About CareSource Georgia

CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 430,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members' health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care. 

For more, visit us at www.caresource.com/ga/plans/, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook