Community Corner
Coronavirus Increases Hunger: Find A Food Bank In Gwinnett County
The coronavirus sent millions of Americans, including some in Gwinnett, into an economic tailspin that's being felt at the dinner table.
GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — When you look around Gwinnett County, it’s easy to see the effects the coronavirus has had on our way of life. What’s less visible is the number of people who are now worrying about having enough to eat.
Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, says coronavirus-related economic crises could push the number of food insecure Americans to 54 million by year’s end. That’s 17 million more Americans than who were food insecure before the pandemic. For some, it’s a matter of running short on grocery money before the week is out and eating a lot of boxed pasta and rice dishes.
For others, food insecurity means real hunger.
Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Gwinnett County, about 81,160 were considered food insecure before the pandemic, according to Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” interactive study.
Job loss and other economic crises associated with the coronavirus could push the rate of food insecurity in Gwinnett County to 14.3 percent by the end of the year.
Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Feeding America, whose 200 member food banks include seven food banks in Georgia, reports both higher demand for services and more need for volunteer and donor support.
Food banks near Gwinnett County listed by Feeding America include:
Atlanta Community Food Bank
3400 N. Desert Dr.
Gainesville, GA 30507
770-534-4111
Other Gwinnett County food banks include
BUFORD
Buford Family Community Center
4042 Friendship Road
Buford, GA 30519
678-292-5954
DACULA
The Pantry at HMUMC
Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church
1450 Pine Road #1455
Dacula, GA 30019
Duluth, GA 30097
678-802-7233
crosspointechurch.com/carepointe/
Hands of Christ Duluth Co-op
3395 Fox St. NW
55 Grayson Industrial Parkway
Grayson, GA 30017
LAWRENCEVILLE
Lawrenceville Co-Op Ministry
52 Gwinnett Dr. Suite C
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-339-7887
Madinah Food Pantry
211 Culver St. S
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
1770 Cedars Road SE
SNELLVILLE
Overcomers House
Fountain Square Business Center
2114 McGee Road SW
Snellville, GA 30078
678-615-7714
Place of Enlightenment
2720 Centerville Hwy.
Snellville, GA 30078
770-982-8221
RELATED: Millions Made Hungry During Pandemic Could Include Your Neighbor
Food insecurity is often thought of as a “poor people’s problem,” but not all people living in poverty are food insecure, and not all food insecure people live in poverty. Food insecurity is a complex issue sandwiched in with other systemic challenges, including poverty, low wages, affordable housing shortages, chronic and acute health problems, high medical costs and social isolation.
“Our members are reporting that many of the people they’re serving have never sought food assistance before,” Kathryn Strickland, Feeding America’s chief network officer, told Patch. “Some people are reporting that people who formerly donated to food banks are now seeking assistance.”
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 2020, more than 54 million Americans will 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.
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