Second Harvest of South Georgia, the region’s leader in hunger-relief, announced today that it is opening a new food bank branch in Tifton.  The organization is a member of the Feeding America food bank network serving 26 South Georgia counties across nearly 12,000 square miles.  The decision to establish a new facility in Tifton was made last month, and preparations have been underway since then.

The new branch will complement existing operations in Valdosta and Thomasville.  It will enable Second Harvest to better serve its existing 75 partners in the Tifton area more cost-effectively.  The non-profit hopes to increase its partner agency base and to expand its Kids Café program in the eight surrounding counties.  Organizations and individuals interested in getting involved can get more information at FeedingSGA.org.

“Our goal is to feed as many of our neighbors in need as we can and to do it as efficiently as possible,” said Second Harvest representative Eliza McCall.  “This strategic move to consolidate operations is another way for us to minimize waste and maximize the impact of the funds entrusted to us.”

Second Harvest has secured 50,000 square feet of warehouse space off Windy Hill Road just south of Tifton.  The organization will be working over the next few months to transform the warehouse shell into a working food bank. With the expansion, Second Harvest will be bringing an estimated 10 new jobs to Tift County.  Second Harvest stated that Tifton was a strategic choice based on location, but the enthusiastic response of community leaders at the prospect was a very strong selling point.   A grand opening is tentatively planned for early September.

“We are excited to welcome Second Harvest into the Tifton-Tift County community,” said Brian Marlowe, President and CEO of the Tift County Development Authority and the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce. “Second Harvest provides a much-needed service to numerous non-profit organizations that support children and families throughout South Georgia. The Bassford family is a great partner for us in Tift County and we appreciate their efforts to work with Second Harvest to secure a location here. This will bring jobs to Tift County and also provide a valuable service to our citizens.”