On a bright morning in Statesboro, the community gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Joe Bill Brannon Pantry, a momentous occasion for the The Food Bank. The July 23, 2024 ceremony, attended by city and county officials, board members, and community supporters, was a testament to the collaborative spirit that brought this project to fruition.
The Joe Bill Brannon Pantry is located at 506 Miller Street at the corner of Miller Street and Northside Drive West in Statesboro, Georgia.
Johnny Tremble, a long-serving board member, opened the ceremony by reflecting on his decade-long tenure and his connection with Joe Bill Brannon. He recounted Brannon's dedication to the food bank, emphasizing his hands-on approach, including using his own trailer to collect food donations. Tremble expressed gratitude to the city and county for their substantial financial support, which kickstarted the project, and to the board members who brought expertise and experience to the table.
"Our journey hasn't been easy, but today we celebrate a significant milestone," Tremble stated. "We owe much to our executive director, Sheila Stewart Leach, whose relentless efforts have been instrumental in making this day a reality."
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt blessing by Francys Johnson, invoking a sense of community and divine provision. "As we dedicate this pantry, may it nourish both body and spirit, continuing Joe Bill Brannon's legacy of selfless service," Johnson prayed.
Bulloch County Commission Chairman Roy Thompson shared personal anecdotes, humorously mentioning a recent remark about his age and reaffirming his commitment to serving the community. He introduced the symbolic "Beggar's Bucket," a reminder of the ongoing need for support and the community's resilience, christening it with a donation of 'unused campaign funds' from 20 years ago to the tune of $2,599.42.
Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar delivered an inspiring speech, urging the community to uphold their greatest selves in service to others. "We must be the superheroes we've been waiting for," McCollar said, highlighting the pantry's dedication as a beacon of hope and unity.
Executive Director Sheila Stewart Leach expressed profound gratitude to everyone involved, especially Jodi Brannon, Joe Bill Brannon's daughter, who led the food bank through challenging times. Leach announced the expansion of pantry hours to better serve working families and shared future fundraising goals, including the completion of a dining hall and classrooms.
She also extended special appreciation to builder David Pearce for his cost- and time-efficient work on the new pantry.
A surprise donation from Hyundai Motor Group, represented by Joe LaMuraglia, added to the celebratory spirit. "This $5,000 is just the beginning of our commitment to this community," LaMuraglia stated, reinforcing Hyundai's dedication to supporting local initiatives.
Leach then invited the public into the warehouse facility for a tour, showcasing the storage and dining room, highlighting the unfinished classrooms and lobby for which she says it will cost another $300,000 to finish, on top of the bank's monthly expenses of $30,000.
Senator Raphael Warnock's Field Advisor, Andrew Young, extended recognition of Leach's hard work on behalf of the Senator. The representative has vowed to work diligently to secure more federal funding to be used in finishing the construction of the food bank, as well as to maintain its service to the community.
Finally, Director Leach invited the public to attend the 'Kaleidoscope Culinary Celebration' on September 26th, which will feature local chefs, a dinner party, and a culinary auction.
The new pantry is equipped with features that ensure they can meet the needs of our neighbors more effectively:
- Commercial Freezers, Refrigerators, and Coolers: Ensuring that perishable items are stored safely.
- Expanded Shelving Area: Dedicated spaces for canned goods and dry storage.
- Supply Storage and Meal Box Prep Area: Streamlined processes for packing and distributing meal boxes.
- Pantry Manager Area and Volunteer Space: Efficient operations supported by our dedicated staff and volunteers.
- Loading Area: Seamless deliveries of food and supplies for our clients and pantry.
Ways you can help
The food pantry's journey from its former home in the old Julia P. Bryant Elementary School to this new facility has been a labor of love, driven by their unwavering commitment to fight hunger and provide hope.
This new space represents a significant milestone in their mission, symbolizing a brighter future where every member of our community has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.
Bringing the Final Elements to Life
While the Joe Bill Brannon Pantry is operational, crucial areas still need completion. Your support is essential to fully realize their vision:
- Cosmetic work for the final touches to public areas ($20,000)
- Concrete for parking lots and driveway to ensure accessible parking ($30,000)
- Refrigerators and freezers with 8 more units needed ($20,000)
- Kitchen and classroom appliances for educational and practical use ($15,000)
- Office furniture/computers to support administrative functions ($5,000)
- Bathroom stalls and fixtures to complete essential facilities ($12,000)
- Washer and dryer for crisis workers ($1,500)
- Landscaping/irrigation/fencing to create a welcoming environment ($35,000)
- Classroom furniture and cooking supplies for educational spaces ($20,000)
- Outdoor furniture to enhance outdoor areas ($18,000)
- Signage/donor signage to acknowledge supporters ($5,000)
Your generosity will help us bring these final elements to life, ensuring our facility can serve the community to its fullest potential.
Click here to donate now or email [email protected] to help.
As the ceremony concluded, board members, officials, and community members gathered for the ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of the Joe Bill Brannon Pantry. The event symbolized not just the opening of a new facility, but the continuation of a legacy of compassion and community support.
