On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Feed the Boro celebrated a significant milestone by surpassing 2.5 million meals distributed to residents of Bulloch and surrounding counties. The achievement was marked during their monthly food drop at Statesboro High School, an initiative that began 48 months ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The food drops are a collaborative effort with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and are sponsored by Statesboro Food Lion and The Island's apartments. Undeterred by damp weather, hundreds of volunteers came together to distribute two tractor-trailer loads of food to those in need.
Volunteers were thanked with freeze pops donated by Boro Snow, commemorative t-shirts marking the 2.5 million meal milestone, and Food Lion Feeds teddy bears. Additionally, five community members were randomly selected to receive $100 gift cards to Food Lion in Statesboro.
As part of its grand opening celebration, Texas Roadhouse in Statesboro selected Feed the Boro as its charity of choice for the restaurant's soft opening. Managing Partner Maurice Jackson invited guests to contribute to Feed the Boro in lieu of paying for their meals during the two-day event. Combined with a contribution from Texas Roadhouse, over $6,000 was raised for the organization.
"This is just the beginning of our plans to give back to the community in extraordinary ways," Jackson stated. He noted that this was the largest amount ever raised for a charity during a new store opening, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for the restaurant and appreciation for Feed the Boro's efforts.
Feed the Boro operates entirely through volunteer efforts, with no paid staff or overhead costs. Monthly food drops are hosted in the parking lot of Statesboro High School at no charge to the organization.
The event also featured music and a live broadcast by Travis Bilger and Bryan Steele of Foundry Broadcasting. Statesboro High Football Coach Matt Dobson, his assistant coaches, and many team members volunteered alongside the Damascus Men's Group, the Georgia Southern University Dance Team, and team members from Food Lion.
The next food drop is scheduled for October 5, 2024.
