By: Cameron Thrash
The Food Bank, Inc. sign hangs outside of the facility. Statesboro's first food bank was incorporated in 1987, and they have had four locations.
Executive Director Sheila Stewart-Leach works at her desk. “Ultimately, the most challenging thing is making sure that we have enough resources to make sure the families get what they need and then have the money to pay for those resources.”
Marty Materazzi stores leftover bread while Willie Mae Simmons sweeps the floor. Both Marty and Willie Mae began volunteering at the Food Bank this year.
Crates of fresh produce line the shelves inside the food bank's storage room. This area allows employees to organize and pack food for Statesboro residents in need.
Employees and volunteers organize food in the storage room. The Food Bank spends between $35,000 and $40,000 every month on food and other resources.
The Key to the City of Statesboro rests inside the Food Bank. This honor recognizes the hard work and dedication of the organization.
Connie Wilson pauses her work inside the food bank's cafeteria. "I'm here Monday through Friday, and I'm loving it."
Fresh tomatoes sit inside a crate, ready to be packaged. The Food Bank relies on donations to help supply thousands of meals to local residents.
Jacob Granthan moves baskets of fresh cucumbers in the storage room. Employees and volunteers spend hours sorting and preparing food for Statesboro locals,
Aprons and canned goods line the cafeteria supply room. This room allows kitchen staff to prepare lunch for residents in need every day.
Willie Mae Simmons takes a brief break from sweeping the cafeteria. "We're serving the hungry people in the community and the children."
Various cookbooks line the shelves inside the Food Bank. In addition to food, these books were donated by members of the community.
Sandra Rozier stocks the refrigerator in the storage room. She works as the Pantry Coordinator at the Food Bank.
Wanda Parrish and Chavante Barnes organize produce in the refrigerator. Wanda has volunteered at the food bank for roughly two years, and Chavante has volunteered since December 2025.
Baked goods sit inside a shopping cart. Many local grocery stores deliver fresh bread and pastries to the food bank.
Jonathan Faircloth moves an empty produce box outside. He started as a volunteer and has worked at the food bank for about two years.
Refrigerators line the facility's storage room. These refrigerators are used to store a variety of meat, dairy, and produce.
Marty Materazzi organizes bread in the cafeteria. "I enjoy it. I'm just glad I decided to do this."
Informational signs stick to the food bank's door. This information allows residents to easily navigate the services provided by the Food Bank.
