Feeding the Future
T
he primary mission of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is to lead the efforts to end hunger and improve lives. Now, thanks to a $1.5 million grant, plus another $1 million in donations from the community, with Sea Island Company’s pledge of matching funds to $500,000, Second Harvest will be able to reach more families in need. These funds enable them to triple the size of their Southeastern branch in Brunswick. “Over one-fifth of the residents of Glynn County experience food insecurity. That is simply too many. The expansion of America’s Second Harvest Brunswick facility will be a critical step in reducing this percentage in our community,” said Scott Steilen, President and CEO of Sea Island Company. “This is an important issue for everyone, and it is time we make a strong commitment to address it.” Mary Jane Crouch, Executive Director of America’s Second Harvest, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “This project will help so many children, families and seniors that are at risk for hunger not have to worry about where or when they will have their next 58
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meal. We are so honored to work with Sea Island and The Anschutz Foundation to end hunger in coastal Georgia.” The Brunswick expansion will include an increase of 20,000 sq. feet in warehouse space and a new volunteer space to allow groups to assist in daily activities such as packing pantry lunches, backpacks, and emergency boxes. A new truck dock will expand capacity for pick-up and delivery and allow easier access by large vehicles. A Kid’s Café Kitchen will be added in which to prepare nutritional meals that will be packed and delivered to local children at risk.
In addition to the fundraising commitment for the Brunswick facility, Sea Island and The Anschutz Foundation are also working with Glynn County Schools to provide food pantries in every public school in the county. The program will follow the successful model that was recently launched in the Savannah school system where the School Pantry is stocked with boxes of shelf-stable food that can provide three to four family meals and breakfast. Glynn County teachers, principals, guidance counselors, and social workers can refer students and their families for food assistance from the School Pantry. The Anschutz Foundation
will fund the cost of the food that is provided by America’s Second Harvest and Glynn County Schools will fund the cost for the pantry at each school. “When we dove deeper into this issue for children in the Glynn County school system, we learned that over 64% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Further, we also learned that many children are unable to focus at school because they are hungry. We had to do something,” Steilen said. “This program enables students of all ages and their families to benefit from a balanced meal.” Superintendent
