Free Food, School Supplies Offered At Saturday Event In DeKalb

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Free groceries and school supplies will be given out this weekend in DeKalb County, thanks to the 11th annual Let's Move! DeKalb event.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) are extending their partnership to give back to the community for the free annual event, slated Saturday at 10 a.m. at The Gallery at South DeKalb mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

Healthy snacks, produce, pantry stocking items, back-to-school swag bags filled with school supplies and fitness items for children will be given out while supplies last.

While it's normally held indoors, it will take place outdoors for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and implement the mobile drive-thru model to service attendees. All volunteers will be wearing face masks.

The event is free to attend, and registration for attendance is required to receive a school swag bag. To register, visit healthykidsdekalb.eventbrite.com.

“We never imagined we would be 1.5 years later dealing with COVID-19, but we cannot stop serving our community even during a pandemic,” Johnson said in a news release. “We must ensure our families have what they need now more than ever.”

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.