On Friday, May 22, DeKalb County Government worked to mitigate food insecurity in the county by distributing 1,200 boxes of fresh produce and 1,200 bags of chicken to families and residents who have limited access to healthy food.

The county hosted two drive-thru food distribution events where residents received one 20-pound box of “Georgia Grown” fruit and vegetables and one 10-pound bag of frozen chicken hindquarters.

“I greatly appreciate Commissioner Gary Black, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our South Georgia farmers for partnering with DeKalb County to provide nutritious produce to families struggling to keep food on the table,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond.

According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, DeKalb County has experienced a 40 percent increase in the number of people suffering from food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The food distribution event grew out of a partnership between DeKalb County Government and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s “Buy Georgia Grown, Now More Than Ever” campaign.