Transforming Northeast Georgia's Food Landscape: The Food Bank's Groundbreaking New Facility

In a momentous occasion, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia celebrated the completion of its state-of-the-art warehouse and headquarters in Athens, Georgia. This new facility, made possible by a significant federal grant and the unwavering support of the community, marks a transformative chapter in the organization's mission to combat food insecurity across the region.

Empowering Communities, One Pound of Food at a Time

Expanding Reach, Enhancing Impact

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia has long been a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing food insecurity in the region. With the opening of its new facility, the organization has taken a significant stride forward in its ability to serve the 15 counties under its purview, from Clarke County to Rabun County. This expansion not only increases the Food Bank's storage and distribution capacity but also allows it to streamline its operations, ensuring that more pounds of food reach those in need.Erin Barger, the President and CEO of the Food Bank, proudly announced that the organization has "mobilized more pounds of food than any year in history," a testament to the tireless efforts of the dedicated staff and the unwavering support of the community. The new facility, strategically located on Newton Bridge Road, has been designed to optimize the Food Bank's ability to efficiently collect, store, and distribute food to the individuals and families it serves.

A Game-Changing Grant and Community Collaboration

The construction of the new facility was made possible by a significant .9 million grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, part of a larger million federal grant awarded to the state. Rusty Haygood, a deputy commissioner with the Department of Community Affairs, described this grant as the largest ever awarded in Georgia, a testament to the critical role the Food Bank plays in addressing food insecurity.However, the success of this project was not solely dependent on the grant. The Food Bank also had to raise an additional million to complete the million project, a testament to the unwavering commitment of the organization and the generosity of the local community. Kevin Price, the president of Kevin Price Construction, the company responsible for the construction of the new facility, praised the collaboration between his team, the Food Bank staff, and the architectural firm Armentrout Matheny Thurmond, stating that the new facility is a "generational landmark" that will serve the area for years to come.

Honoring Dedicated Stewardship and Community Partnerships

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was not just a celebration of the new facility but also a recognition of the individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in the Food Bank's success. Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz commended the Food Bank staff and the various partners who worked tirelessly to make the new facility a reality.Billy Porter, the chairman of the Food Bank's Board of Directors, praised the "thoughtful and intelligent board decisions" that contributed to the successful completion of the project. He acknowledged the trust placed in the organization and the responsibility the board took on to be good stewards of the millions of dollars entrusted to them.The ceremony also included a special recognition for Richard Boone, a long-time supporter of the Food Bank, who has served on the board and made numerous donations over the years. In honor of his dedication and devotion, an aisle in the new warehouse has been named "Boone Boulevard," a fitting tribute to the "founding father" of the organization.The Food Bank's new facility stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity. As the organization continues to expand its reach and enhance its impact, the people of Northeast Georgia can take pride in the transformative work being done to ensure that no one in their communities goes hungry.