The Leadership Bulloch Class of 2026 has chosen a meaningful initiative: the Statesboro Food Bank Outdoor Expansion Project. Their goal? To build a covered outdoor patio that enhances food distribution, helps volunteers, and fortifies emergency responses.
Each year, Leadership Bulloch undertakes a project that aims to bring positive changes to Bulloch County. The Class of 2026 is partnering with The Food Bank, Inc. to create a space that not only supports daily operations but also boosts the community’s ability to react to emergencies like hurricanes.
What’s the Plan?
The project centers around establishing a permanent, covered outdoor patio at the Statesboro Food Bank. This new area will provide shelter for food distribution activities, volunteer management, and organization during busy times.
This patio is especially critical during emergencies. Past hurricanes have shown how vital it is to have a safe place to store and manage supplies. In hard times, volunteers will be able to work efficiently, despite the weather.
Why Is This Important?
The demand for the Food Bank’s services has surged in recent years. In the last fiscal year, the Food Bank served around 500 families each week, providing food for over 1.6 million meals. Events like Hurricanes Debby and Helene revealed how crucial the Food Bank is during crises, distributing thousands of meals in just days.
As demand rises, a protected outdoor area becomes essential. It will help ensure that operations can continue during extreme weather, keeping services available when the community needs them most.
How Is This Being Achieved?
The Leadership Bulloch Class has strict guidelines, including a $50,000 fundraising cap and a deadline of April 30, 2026. Committees within the class handle fundraising, marketing, and logistics, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The Food Bank is providing support, including access to facilities and coordination. Once done, this patio will serve as a permanent asset for the Food Bank and the community.
Community Involvement
The Class of 2026 is actively inviting local businesses and individuals to join in on this project. Community support is essential for reaching the fundraising goal and ensuring that the patio benefits Bulloch County for years to come.
Several sponsorship opportunities exist, with various levels of recognition offered for contributions:
- Community Pillars – $10,000 and above: Premier branding on project materials, signage, and acknowledgment at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000: Logo on promotional materials and recognition at events.
- Silver Sponsor – $2,500: Business name on signage and promotional items.
- Bronze Sponsor – $1,000: Name displayed on project signage.
This isn’t just about building a structure; it’s about creating lasting change in the community. According to the National Association of Food Banks, organizations like The Food Bank play a vital role in feeding millions. With your support, this project can help ensure that assistance stays available whenever it’s needed.
With rising needs, it’s a great time to support initiatives that lift communities. Through collective efforts and a shared vision, the Statesboro Food Bank Outdoor Expansion Project can enrich lives for years to come.
For more information on the Food Bank and its impact, visit Feeding America.
