DeKalb CEO Thurmond sets final free food giveaway, 5,000 boxes to be distributed Nov. 23

 DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s final food distribution is scheduled  Saturday, Nov. 23. Thurmond, restricted by term limits,  retires from the office of DeKalb CEO in December, after serving 8 years in the county government’s top position.  Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who served as the DeKalb Board of Commissioners Super District representative, was elected to succeed Thurmond on Nov. 5.

Since May 2020—the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic—more than 170,000 boxes of food have been distributed at more than 40 distribution events.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the Board of Commissioners, faith leaders, and community volunteers to help fight food insecurity in DeKalb County,” Thurmond said. “The most important four-letter word in the English language is ‘care,’ and I believe that over the past four years, we have faithfully cared for our fellow residents who have been fighting to feed their families.

DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders and community groups to distribute the 5,000 boxes of Georgia-grown fruits, vegetables and chicken hindquarters on Saturday, Nov. 23, beginning at 9 a.m., at the following locations:

• Antioch AME Church, 765 South Hairston Rd., Stone Mountain GA 30088 
• Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, GA 30034 
• Shy Temple CME Church, 2030 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30035 
• Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Stonecrest, GA 30038 
• Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088 
• The Covenant Church, 1700 Corey Blvd., Decatur, GA 30032  
• Saint Phillip AME, 240 Candler Rd. SE, Atlanta, GA 30317 
• Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta GA 30345 
• Rehoboth Baptist Church, 2997 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker GA 30084 

In addition to the churches, DeKalb County is partnering with the Chamblee Coalition for Homelessness and La Vision Newspaper.

The county utilized federal American Rescue Plan funds for the purchase of the produce and chicken.