The Georgia Mountain Food Bank unveiled on Friday its capital expansion of the Boomershire Family Logistics Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
The $4.6 million expansion intends to address the growing demand for the food bank’s aid throughout the five counties it serves. Executive Director Rebecca Thurman told AccessWDUN that the project added several resources to the facility.
“We added 12,500 square feet,” Thurman shared. “We added this two-story shipping and receiving pod which added 12 new offices in this unit. We added 91% more cold storage. We will have racking for about 36 more truckloads of food coming for the expansion.”
Additionally, the organization remodeled its existing building, with four new office spaces and 53 new parking spaces for food bank volunteers.
Thurman said that $2.3 million was funded through the Department of Community Affairs, which was sub-granted through Hall County. The additional funds were contributed through private donors and sponsors.
During the ceremony, Donor Outreach Coordinator Phil Dennis thanked those who helped make the expansion possible and noted the impact it will have on Dawson, Forsyth, Lumpkin, Union and Hall counties.
“Recent studies have highlighted a staggering 30% increase in food insecurity across Georgia just last month,” Dennis said. “Our own statistics here at Georgia Mountain Food Bank align with this alarming reality. However, your vital partnership has equipped us to address the crucial needs within our community. Your generosity and unwavering commitment to nourish families and children and seniors across our five county service area are helping us meet that escalating demand for our services.”
Thurman also noted that the expansion will allow the food bank to provide millions of meals to those in the area each year. She highlighted that in 2023, the food bank surpassed its goals it originally expected to meet by 2027.
“In our strategic plan in 2021, we wanted to distribute six million meals by 2027,” Thurman explained. “But, we did that in 2023. So this year, we're already on track to increase that by another 32%. So this space will allow us room for those additional pounds needed to feed our community.”
For more information on programs offered by the food bank and volunteer opportunities, click here.
