On Wednesday, June 4, recognition of one of the most integral pieces in the constant battle against food insecurity within 21 counties of Southeast Georgia was cemented with an honorary plaque, as Feed the Boro chair Don Poe presented Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia with an award showcasing the enduring gratitude between the two organizations.
Feed the Boro and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia began a deep partnership in 2020, as the world grappled with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founded in the late 1990s, Feed the Boro initially focused on delivering Thanksgiving meals once a year to families in Bulloch County. But the pandemic made reaching the community more difficult, creating obstacles for the group’s outreach efforts.
Feed the Boro’s mission focuses on showcasing hope through food, love through volunteerism, compassion through giving, and embracing fairness and diversity in its vision of improving Bulloch County -- one meal at a time.
The global pandemic nearly halted the growth of Feed the Boro, affecting the organization’s mission. But through collaboration with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, the nonprofit has continued to grow—becoming the backbone of its expanded impact by enabling efficient grocery distribution to about 1,000 families each month. These food drops wouldn’t be possible without Second Harvest’s logistical support and donated food.
Second Harvest acts as the middleman in connecting organizations like Feed the Boro with food supplies. As a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, Second Harvest bridges the gap by delivering large quantities of food across all 21 counties it serves.
“To feed the hungry in our community and to help end hunger in our region by distributing food to nonprofit agencies and individuals in need” is the mission of Second Harvest, which continues to partner with various organizations across the counties it serves, operating out of its new facility in Savannah, Georgia.
One year removed from the grand opening of its new facility at 1380 Chatham Parkway in Savannah, Second Harvest has expanded its operations beyond its former location in Brunswick.
The food bank now partners with more than 245 nonprofit organizations, has increased its food supply capacity within the 100,000-square-foot facility, delivered over 24.6 million pounds of food in the past year, opened a partner marketplace, and continues to grow its in-house programs.
“The majority we serve are working full time and are one disaster or emergency away from choosing between food, medicine, or tires to get to work,” said Elizabeth Waters, director of programs. “It’s definitely an opportunity to know we’re making a positive impact, and that’s what makes it worth it.”
Second Harvest aims to continue building impactful partnerships with organizations across the counties it serves. It also plans to expand its own community programs, including Kids Cafe, which operates as part of its summer feeding initiative.
From major food banks like Second Harvest to grassroots nonprofits like Feed the Boro, each plays an essential role as a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity.
Their powerful relationship will continue to impact families throughout the county and will continue to be on full display during Feed the Boro’s monthly food distributions at Statesboro High School.
