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o F o d e P l i antr ob M BRINGING FRESH FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED
By D.M. Herra
O
n a sunny Saturday, a 14foot box truck was parked in front of the Kingston Friendship Center. Three people stood behind the truck, placing boxes of groceries on long folding tables. One smiled behind his cloth mask as a person approached.
produce and other grocery items to communities throughout DeKalb County. It was started two years ago with a patchwork of state and local grants. Its goal is to supplement the work of local food pantries and bring food directly to the people who need it.
“Hi!” he said. “Do you need some food?”
“Originally, the idea was that it would become a sort of traveling health oasis,” Community Gardens Executive Director Dan Kenney said. “Other organizations partner with us at the food distribution to offer information and other services.”
The covid-19 pandemic has changed the way the DeKalb County Community Gardens operate, but it has not stopped the Grow Mobile mobile food pantry from making its rounds. The Grow Mobile is a 14-foot refrigerated truck that carries fresh
The DeKalb County Health Department has set up mobile flu shot clinics at Grow Mobile stops, Kenney said. Other times, the
Regional Office of Education has come along to distribute diapers, baby wipes and information about child development and early literacy. But there’s no question that the Grow Mobile is the big draw. Over the past two years, it has distributed more than half a million pounds of 9 food. The economic toll of covid-19 has brought a surge of new clients to its stops. “Many of our clients have always had jobs and never expected to find themselves in this position,” Community Gardens Assistant Director Heather Edwards said. In response to the growing need, the Grow Mobile increased its number
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