JONESBORO, Ga. — A new resource for Clayton County families experiencing food insecurity has officially opened its doors.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday for its newest community food center in Jonesboro – marking the third of what the nonprofit calls “direct-to-families” food pantries operated by the food bank and its volunteers.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from our partners that enabled us to open a new Community Food Center in the Clayton County community,” Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “We establish CFCs in areas where local resources are insufficient to meet the needs of families living with food insecurity. CFCs are becoming an integral part of our extensive network of agencies that serve local communities. The addition of these centers is part of our long-term strategic plan to make access easier for those in need.”
The need is especially great in Jonesboro, Waide and Kenny Hill, chief supply chain officer for ACFB, told 11Alive.
“The need for food in the Jonesborough area is one of the highest in our 29 county area,” Hill explained. “So when we look for where do we want to place a community food center? All the metrics show that Jonesboro was the priority.”
The new center is located at 6805 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro, GA 30236, with the food pantry operating similar to a grocery store, allowing families to select their own food choices.
"We want to give dignity,” Hill added. “We want them to have a choice of what they want to select. So we line our shelves with options, that are nutrient dense, healthy food options for them to come and choose what they want. So they're going to very much feel like they're going to their local grocery store, but instead they're not having the budget impact that they would.”
Those looking to make an appointment to get food can call 478-394-4547. Walk-ins are welcome, based on availability.
Food distribution hours in Jonesboro are as follows:
- Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Monday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
According to ACFB, the new Jonesboro Community Food Center is made possible in part by the support of the following founding donors: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, Publix Super Market Charities, Subramonian and Lakshmi Shankar, Tull Charitable Foundation, and the Olives Family Foundation.
“The Atlanta Community Food Bank has long been committed to ending hunger in the greater Atlanta and North Georgia areas,” said Amy Atwood, vice president of communications and philanthropy for Takeda’s U.S. business unit and U.S. region. “With the opening of Jonesboro Community Food Center, they will provide a vital resource for the residents of Clayton County, and we are proud to be a partner in their efforts to ensure everyone has access to healthy foods in our communities."
The Food Bank also operates community food centers in Marietta and Stone Mountain. Those interested in volunteering can also find more information ACFB’s volunteer page.