STATESBORO, Ga — The Statesboro Food Bank, Inc. recently hosted its second annual Kaleidoscope fundraiser, an event that drew the community together on Thursday evening.

The evening was filled with the melody of live piano music, a silent auction brimming with intriguing items, and a delicious meal inspired by the flavors of fall harvest.

Sheila Stewart-Leach, the Executive Director, expressed that the occasion transcended a typical fundraiser.

“This event marks an anniversary celebration for us,” Stewart-Leach explained. “We’ve been serving as a food bank for 38 years, and last year we realized the importance of strengthening our community presence. We wanted people to visit and understand our mission, so we launched this idea, and it will now be an annual tradition.”

This year’s event coincides with the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, casting uncertainty over the funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Food Bank Inc. covers seven counties in the greater Statesboro area and their latest data showed that approximately 19% of Bulloch County households receives SNAP benefits.

The uncertainty has already caused an uptick in business for the organization.

“Last week we had, starting on Monday, we had more than double the number of calls,” Stewart-Leach said. “Probably quadruple the number of walk ins and by the end of the week, we had helped 921 families. Our normal numbers are around 550.” 

The food bank said there are three ways to help: volunteer, donate and hold food drives. Stewart-Leach said donating leads to the most impact.

“We press people to donate instead of bring canned goods because…the dollar stretches, it just does,” she said. “We can feed a family of four for $30 for one month. Not a day. Not a week. For a month…We don’t want to run out and the need is so pressing.” 

The Food Bank, Inc. also gives out additional food during the holidays such as Thanksgiving.

Click here for more information on the organization.