Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries is offering donors an opportunity to double the impact of their contributions through a $100,000 matching donation campaign that runs through December 31.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match contributions up to $100,000, meaning the organization could receive as much as $200,000 if the full matching amount is raised.

The fundraising effort comes as Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries reports increasing demand for food assistance across the region, including Chattooga County.

Organization President Lindsey Fisher says the number of people seeking assistance through the ministry’s food pantry has increased, along with participation in its Backpack Buddies program, which provides food assistance to schoolchildren.

The Backpack Buddies program serves students in Chattooga County Schools, along with students in Floyd, Polk, Bartow and Gordon counties and Rome City Schools.

Fisher says the matching campaign could allow the organization to expand its programs and provide additional food for families and children who are struggling with food insecurity.

The organization operates the Bagwell Choice Pantry in Rome and distributes food through a network of community pantries, mobile food programs, churches and other organizations.

The timing of the fundraising campaign is especially important as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. For children who depend on school meals, extended holiday breaks can create additional challenges for families already struggling to afford groceries.

Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries says financial contributions allow the organization to purchase food in larger quantities and stretch donated dollars further than individual grocery purchases.

Donations toward the matching campaign may be made online at hungerministries.org, by mail to P.O. Box 1071, Rome, Georgia 30162, or in person at 90 East Callahan Street in Rome.

Donors are asked to specify that their contributions are intended for the matching donation campaign so the funds will qualify for the dollar-for-dollar match.

The campaign continues through December 31, with the potential to generate $200,000 to support hunger-relief programs throughout Northwest Georgia, including services benefiting Chattooga County families.