On May 17th at their monthly food drop at Statesboro High School, a milestone will quietly but powerfully be reached in Bulloch County: the 3 millionth meal served by Feed the Boro, the community-driven nonprofit that has become synonymous with food relief across the region. The achievement marks a significant chapter in the organization’s 27-year history of fighting food insecurity and fostering unity through service.
Founded in the late 1990s, Feed the Boro began with a singular mission—ensure no one in the community went hungry on Thanksgiving Day. What started as a grassroots effort to prepare and deliver fewer than 200 meals has grown into one of Bulloch County’s most trusted and consistent sources of food relief. The organization now hosts monthly food drops, holiday meal deliveries, and emergency response efforts—all fueled by volunteers and local donors. Most impressive, with no paid employees or facilities to maintain, every penny raised goes directly to impacting food insecurity.
“This is more than just a number,” said Don Poe, one of the most active proponents of Feed the Boro for the last half a dozen years. “Three million meals represent three million moments where someone didn’t have to go to bed hungry. It’s a testament to what Bulloch County can do when we come together.”
The 3 millionth meal will be distributed on May 17th during a regular food drop held at Statesboro High School, where more than 1,000 families receive groceries each month. Organized like clockwork, the events bring together dozens of volunteers who unload trucks, sort donations, and fill vehicles with a week’s worth of food—typically enough for two meals a day for a family of four.
Feed the Boro’s rapid growth in recent years was catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. When traditional holiday events became impossible, the organization pivoted. Monthly food distributions were launched in partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and sustained by donors ranging from regional businesses like Food Lion and The Islands to individual residents contributing a few dollars at a time.
“People were scared. People were struggling,” said Poe. “But instead of retreating, Statesboro and Bulloch County stepped forward. Volunteers showed up in the rain, in the heat, with the gnats, you name it – to do whatever it took.”
Since 2020, these monthly events have become the backbone of the nonprofit’s efforts. The model, simple yet effective, allows for both volume and dignity. Recipients never have to leave their cars, ensuring both efficiency and privacy. Volunteers are often seen greeting families with smiles, loading trunks with care, and waving goodbye as a line of vehicles snakes through the high school parking lot.
While the logistics are impressive, the heart of Feed the Boro lies in its people. More than 1,200 volunteers have contributed their time over the years. Churches, schools, student groups, and civic clubs have all played a part. Some volunteers arrive as early as 4 a.m., unloading pallets, building food boxes, and staying until every family has been served.
Behind the scenes, a lean but determined group of organizers coordinates with food suppliers, handles donations, and plans events months in advance. Every dollar raised is stretched carefully. According to the organization, just $5 can feed a family of four for an entire week.
That efficiency is part of what has made Feed the Boro a model for other communities facing similar challenges. What’s unique, however, is how seamlessly it blends large-scale logistics with small-town compassion.
“This is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said one volunteer during the most recent food drop. “You don’t have to go far to find folks who are struggling. But you also don’t have to go far to find someone willing to help. It’s just what we’ve always done down here.”
As Feed the Boro reflects on its 3 millionth meal, its leaders are already looking ahead. Plans are underway to expand partnerships, increase storage capacity, and serve even more families across Bulloch and surrounding counties.
“We’re not slowing down,” Poe said, with a twinkle in his eye. “I mean, I might, because I’m old, but we’ve got so many great people and companies that have stepped up, it’s never been about any one person. Hunger doesn’t take a holiday—and the folks and businesses leading us into the next three million meals are committed to making sure Feed the Boro can meet the challenges.”
For those interested in volunteering, donating, or becoming a sponsor, more information is available at feedtheboro.com/#contact. You can also contact Don Poe directly at 912.541.0411 or by email at [email protected].
