ATHENS, GA — Skanska, a construction and development firm, recently celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS), Skanska’s project management arm, served as the owner’s representative for the construction of 63,000-square-foot facility.
SIS provided a multitude of project management services, including onsite quality assurance, budget management, value engineering, change order negotiations, as well as the vital communication with area stakeholders, which included, federal, state, and local officials, to keep them informed on the project’s status. Furthermore, SIS managed the design process, enabled the construction package, and facilitated the permitting and approvals process.
“It was our privilege to work with Skanska on this important project, which will facilitate the Food Bank’s ability to mobilize up to 74 percent more food and ultimately serve more neighbors facing food insecurity across Northeast Georgia,” said Erin Barger, President & CEO at the Food Bank. “We are grateful for the team’s tenacity and creativity during every stage of this project, ensuring that one day we will see every neighbor with enough food every day.”
“We are thrilled to have celebrated the completion of this important facility and are proud to have played a role in making a meaningful impact to the community of Northeast Georgia,” said Curtis Elswick, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive at Skanska Integrated Solutions. “As a trusted advisor and advocate for the Unified Government of Athens - Clarke, we utilized our full range of management and consultant services to ensure the successful expansion of this vital facility.”
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, aided with a State of Georgia backed HUD grant of $8.9 million, initiated the 63,000-square-foot facility expansion on the 37-acre site. The new facility site is directly across the road from the former Food Bank facility. It features over 30,000 square feet of dry food storage and 10,000 square feet of fresh/frozen food storage, along with expanded spaces to up to 75 volunteers simultaneously.
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As a regional nonprofit organization, the Food Bank gathers donated items and purchases food for distribution through human-service, education, and faith-based nonprofit organizations. These 225 local members distribute food to neighbors, including children, older adults, individuals, and families. Across the 15-county service area, the Food Bank provided the equivalent of 9.8 million meals in 2023.
