Residents in DeKalb County can mark their calendars for CEO Michael Thurmond's final food distribution event. Taking place this Saturday, Nov. 23, the event will see the conclusion of a substantial community effort that has been ongoing since May 2020. Amidst the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has been a lifeline for many, distributing over 170,000 boxes of food through more than 40 events. The upcoming distribution aims to continue aiding residents grappling with food insecurity.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the Board of Commissioners, faith leaders and community volunteers to help fight food insecurity in DeKalb County," CEO Thurmond said in a statement obtained by DeKalb County Government. His sentiment underscored the collective care these groups have invested in supporting their community. The CEO’s office has arranged to begin distributing 5,000 boxes of locally sourced produce and chicken hindquarters, starting promptly at 9 a.m. across various community faith centers and churches.
The initiative represents a public-private partnership at its finest, spanning a network of local faith leaders and community groups. Some noted distribution locations include Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain and Shy Temple CME Church in Decatur. An extensive list of participating venues reflects the scale on which the community has come together to virtually uphold the needy.
Adding a layer of significance, the DeKalb County Government is directly investing in the local economy and the well-being of its citizens by utilizing federal American Rescue Plan funds to purchase food items. Alongside local churches, the operation has joined forces with organizations such as the Chamblee Coalition for Homelessness and La Vision Newspaper, aiming to comprehensively reach those in need. Residents can find a distribution spot conveniently located at Plaza Fiesta in Atlanta or Rehoboth Baptist Church in Tucker, among other sites detailed in the county's announcement.
