Community Story

Good Neighbors in Action: How Be Golden Is Fueling Local Impact

Golden Pantry’s “Be Golden” Fund began as a natural extension of something already rooted in the company’s DNA: the belief that the organization is only as strong as the neighborhoods it serves. For CEO Brian Griffith and President Robert Griffith, that commitment goes back generations. “My grandfather, Tom Griffith, started Golden Pantry in 1965,” Robert shares. “We’ve always believed that giving back to the neighborhoods we serve isn’t optional, it’s core to who we are.”

When Robert began exploring how to expand the philanthropic arm of the company, he leaned into existing relationships. He first learned about the Athens Area Community Foundation in 2015 while serving on the United Way of Northeast Georgia board. He had conversations with a friend about their experience with the Community Foundation.

Meanwhile, Katie Morris, Golden Pantry’s Director of Marketing, had her own relationship with the Athens Area Community Foundation staff already. “We knew this would be our path because we trusted them,” Katie said. “Honestly, there wasn’t even another organization being considered.”

Ultimately, Golden Pantry wanted their giving to be close to home. Golden Pantry has more than 30 stores across North Georgia but recognizes that each neighborhood is different. Each store sees different needs, different challenges, and different ways that community support can make the most meaningful impact. The Be Golden Fund became a way to give back with precision, intention, and relationship.

Today, Golden Pantry employees help nominate organizations, and committees of team members review those recommendations. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our team members light up knowing that the dollars they collect through round-ups or fundraising are going directly back to their own neighborhoods,” Robert shared. “It’s tangible. You see what it’s doing.”

One special moment has stayed with Katie. She recalls putting up new signage in a store about an organization that specific location was supporting that quarter. The store manager shared that she had personally received help from that organization as a kid. That was a full–circle reminder of why this work matters. “That was a gut check moment,” Katie recalled. “It confirmed that this is the right thing. It matters in real people’s lives.”

Working with the Athens Area Community Foundation has amplified that impact. Katie says every idea they’ve had has been met with enthusiasm, expertise, and guidance. “We have a passion for supporting our community, but it’s not our area of expertise. Athens Area Community Foundation always responds to our ideas with excitement and a ‘Let’s figure it out’ attitude, which is incredible.”

For instance, when Golden Pantry wanted their employees to nominate organizations the company might serve, the Community Foundation offered expertise and guidance to help create, and support, committees to review the organizations and make the plan happen.

Robert agrees with Katie and adds that if someone were interested in starting their own fund, he would tell them not to hesitate to call Sarah McKinney of the Athens Area Community Foundation right now and schedule a meeting with her.

“The evolution of where the Community Foundation came from and where they are today is amazing. There is truly not a better place to put your philanthropic dollars. The way they handle funds is beyond professional and it’s astounding how they do that with such a small staff," Robert shares.

Celebrating 60 years since opening in 1965, Golden Pantry remains proudly family-owned, and its commitment to giving back is woven into the legacy that’s been passed down through three generations. For Golden Pantry, Be Golden isn’t just a brand message. It’s a belief, and one that’s generating meaningful, community-based impact across North Georgia.