Shallowford Food Pantry feeds Atlantans in need

As the coronavirus pandemic has affected our economy, many people are struggling to feed themselves and their families. Groups like the Shallowford Food Pantry are helping.

Shallowford, which is run entirely by volunteers, provides temporary food service to more than 400 households per year and distributes more than 15,000 pounds of food per year.

“People always need food, and that is more true than ever. Jesus said, ‘What you do for the least of these, you do for me,’ ” said Vaughn Dunnigan, who along with Bobbie Pope is the co-director of the Shallowford Food Pantry. “We feel it is our obligation to help those in need.”

During normal operations Shallowford served clients by appointment, but the food bank has transitioned to outdoor walk-up services because of the pandemic. Every week, Tuesday through Thursday from 1-3 p.m., clients wait outside while a volunteer takes their information. The volunteer then places food in a cart for each client, which is wiped down between uses.

For those with non-perishable food to donate, there is a donation cart on the left side of the building during pick-up times. There will also

If you are involved in or know of an organization working to bring relief to the Atlanta community during the coronavirus pandemic OR you are with an organization with supplies that you don’t know where to donate, please email us at Shannon.n.Dominy@gmail.com. be a drive-by food collection drive in the Shallowford parking lot, located at 2375 Shallowford Road Northeast on Sept. 19, from 1-3 p.m.

“Our supplies come from the support of our congregation, and they go to whomever comes to our doors,” said Dunnigan. “We just want people to know that we are here and open.”