STATESBORO, Ga. — A Statesboro nonprofit hit a major milestone Saturday morning, distributing its 3 millionth meal to those in need.

Feed the Boro, which hosts monthly food giveaways, celebrated the occasion during its latest distribution event.

“We started coming out because we were hungry,” said Roy Myrick, who received the milestone meal box.

Myrick has been attending the events for several months and often shares his extra food with neighbors.

“It was kind of a shock when they told me,” he said. “I saw the signs out here but I didn’t expect that it was gonna be me.”

Each month, Feed the Boro gives out 1,000 food boxes, each designed to feed a family of four two meals a day for one week.

“We don’t want you to open up just a box of macaroni and cheese. It’s not healthy for you,” said Don Poe, president of Feed the Boro. “We try to give food so that you can put together a meal every day for that week.”

Poe says the challenge of accessing nutritious food is something he understands on a personal level.

“Food insecurity is always gonna be here,” he said. “We’re not going to stomp it out. The only thing we can do is do our part to put a dent in it.”

The operation runs on the efforts of around 75 volunteers each month, as well as support from a long list of local sponsors who help purchase, transport and distribute the food. Poe said attracting volunteers isn’t difficult, as many come back after their first experience.

“The reason they do is the same reason I stand down here – because you get that very special thank you when they go by,” he said. “It warms your heart. It’s a great thing.”

Feed the Boro will return next month to distribute another 1,000 meal boxes.