Thousands of Macon families benefit from Atrium Health Navicent’s food distribution event
Atrium Health Navicent and partners distribute 120,000 pounds of fresh produce to Macon-Bibb County residents
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thousands of families in Macon-Bibb County were able to take home fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to a massive food distribution event organized by Atrium Health Navicent, along with their partners, on Friday.
The drive-thru event, held on Eisenhower Parkway, saw a big turnout, with cars lining up for hours as families came to receive their box of produce.
“They care,” one resident told 41NBC. “They are actually looking out for the in-between people.”
About 120,000 pounds of fresh produce were given away.
Angelina Doh, the manager of Atrium Health Navicent’s Healthy Communities, told 41NBC it’s important to address food insecurity as a top priority in the county.
“Access to fresh fruits and produce is a big issue in our communities,” Doh said. “It’s not just access, like they cannot get it. Affordability is a big issue because of inflation.”
Atrium Health Navicent and its partners joined forces to bridge the gap faced by many families.
“At Society of St Andrew’s, that’s their mission. It’s food insecurity,” Sloan Lott said. Lott is on the Society of St. Andrew’s Board of Directors. “And at SEPC (Southeast Produce Council), one of our main goals is to get way more produce and get more people fed with more and more good food that’s produced that is healthy for them.”
The distribution included a variety of items, from tomatoes and cucumbers to onions and dragon fruit, providing families with a diverse selection of fresh, healthy produce.
“This opportunity to really contribute in a very small percentage of getting people to have a box full of produce,” Jose Roggiero, the committee chair for the SEPC, said. “It’s just amazing.”
The food was distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
While this event is a once-a-year occurrence, individuals in need of ongoing assistance can access food and nutrition support at the Atrium Health Navicent Healthy Communities “Food as Medicine Market.”
