Learn About our Mission
The Problem of Food Insecurity
Our Mission is Simple: Feeding Those in Need
But don’t let the simplicity of our mission diminish the complexity of the problem of hunger in South Georgia. 1 in 5 people in South Georgians (and 1 in 4 area kids) don’t know where they will get their next meal. This struggle with hunger, termed food insecurity, is higher in our region than anywhere else in the state. This is ironic given fact that we grow 60% of the state’s produce in our region. It is the pervasive problem of hunger which fuels our passion and defines our purpose.
Second Harvest utilizes a variety of methods and channels to combat hunger in South Georgia. Through our program diversity, we are working to provide both immediate relief and effect long-term change. Today, we are the leading hunger-relief organization in the area. We serve nearly 12,000 square mile region made up of 26 counties. In addition to our Valdosta headquarters, we have additional branches in Thomasville and soon in Tifton.
Learn More About SHGA
Empowering Communities: Our Vision And Mission
In 1982, a small group of volunteers representing several Valdosta churches formed the Unity Food Bank with the goal of giving community non-profits with easy, affordable access to the foods and services necessary to carry out their charitable work. The group operated in a borrowed basement, distributing loads of food donated from another community food bank. Over the last 31 years, the organization has grown and transformed – changing names and leadership, becoming independent and nationally-accredited, and expanding geographically and operationally.
Today, Second Harvest of South Georgia is the leading hunger-relief organization in the region and the second largest food bank in the state. We serve a nearly 12,000 square mile region made up of 26 counties. In addition to our Valdosta headquarters, we have branches in Thomasville and soon in Tifton. From these locations, we serve more than 400 partner agencies through a variety of programs including the Food Bank, Kids Cafe, Mobile Food Pantry, and Teachers’ Harvest among others.
How Our Food Bank Works
Learn More About Our Food Bank Operations
Second Harvest of South Georgia’s Food Bank program distributes food to partner agencies who directly serve people that otherwise are unable to provide adequate food for themselves or their families. Click on the diagram below to see a larger image.
Changing The World
Programs That Make
A Difference
Second Harvest operates a variety of programs each aimed at ending hunger and breaking the cycle of poverty in South Georgia. Brief descriptions of our programs are included below. To request more detailed information, please click here or contact us by phone.
