DeKalb’s Buford Highway Food Distribution Site to Aid Latino and Immigrant Families

DeKalb County Government is adding a fourth food distribution site in December in Doraville because the Latino community is one of the population groups hardest hit by food insecurity exacerbated the pandemic nationally.

Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 infections and deaths are proportionately higher among the Latino population.

“We recognize that many families are struggling to keep food on their tables,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “The Buford Highway distribution site grew out of a partnership with community leaders and will help us reach more families in need.”

On Saturday, Dec. 19, the former K-Mart building parking lot in Doraville will be one of four locations where 3,700 DeKalb residents will receive one 20-pound box of fruit and vegetables and a bag of ground beef or 10-pound bag of chicken hindquarters.

Additionally, the DeKalb County School District's Family Engagement Department will be distributing 1,200 books and 200 teddy bears at the Doraville site.

“DeKalb County School District is proud to partner with DeKalb County Government to help families in need,” said DeKalb schools Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris. “The holiday season can be a challenging time for some, and we understand the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extra strain on some of our families. So, we are happy to lend a helping hand to eliminate some of the burden from their shoulders.”

“On behalf of the Latino community in DeKalb County, I say ‘Muchas Gracias’ and ‘Dios te bendiga’ to CEO Thurmond and his team for including us as partners in dealing with food insecurity caused by the pandemic,” said Victoria Chacon, founder of La Vision Newspaper and La Visionradio.net, serving the Latino community for 20 years.

Since May 2020, DeKalb County has provided fruit, vegetables, and protein to over 23,000 DeKalb County families.

Beginning at 10 a.m., COVID-19 Care Baskets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, at four locations:

• Former K-Mart store parking lot at 5597 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville, GA 30340
• Buck Godfrey Stadium, 2817 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, GA 30034
• James R. Hallford Stadium, 3789 Memorial College Ave., Clarkston, GA 30021
• New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd., Stonecrest, GA 30038

Community partners include La Vision newspaper, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Saint Philip AME Church.

The county is utilizing federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to purchase the produce, ground beef and chicken.

For more information about the county’s response to COVID-19, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/coronavirus.