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COVID-19 has exposed ‘depth of need’ around Columbus area. Here’s how 14 churches helped

A record number of churches partnered together this past weekend to feed hungry residents in the Chattahoochee Valley as the coronavirus pandemic continues to exacerbate food insecurity.

Hundreds of boxes of food were given to those in need Saturday as part of a partnership between 14 churches in the Columbus area. The drive-thru giveaway aimed to provide relief for those who are experiencing food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic.

About 23% of Muscogee County is projected to experience some form of food insecurity in 2020, according to research conducted by Feeding America. The hunger rate for 2020 in Muscogee County is estimated to be about 5.7% higher than in 2018.

“We probably didn’t know the depth of need of how many people are suffering from food insecurity,” said Rev. Adrian Chester of Greater Beallwood Baptist Church. “People have struggled with it prior to COVID, but this has exacerbated it. And the people who would usually suffer in silence are now given a voice.”

Though the event began at 4 p.m., cars began lining up as early as 3 p.m. for the giveaway, held at the Columbus Civic Center. Volunteers continued to hand out boxes of food even as a rainstorm stuck downtown Columbus.

Supplies were exhausted by 5 p.m.

Volunteers prepare to load boxes of meats, vegetables, and dairy products into cars during the Community Food Giveaway at the Columbus Civic Center parking lot Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2020 in Columbus, Georgia.
Volunteers prepare to load boxes of meats, vegetables, and dairy products into cars during the Community Food Giveaway at the Columbus Civic Center parking lot Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2020 in Columbus, Georgia. Darrell Roaden Special to the Ledger-Enquirer

Roughly 500 boxes of food containing fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and other staples were given away Saturday afternoon. Volunteers boarded a 26-foot truck at 4 a.m. Saturday to pick up the food from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia.

Anyone was welcome to receive food, regardless of demonstrated need or city of residence.

“I think maybe one of the unique things is that there are no questions asked ... if someone comes they’re given a box,” said Rev. Grace Burton-Edwards of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. “I think that’s just an expression of grace that nobody has to earn it through any particular kind of identification. But there’s so many people in need right now and many people who are not used to being in need in this way.”

The giveaway marks one of the largest and most diverse collaborations among Columbus churches. Pastor Derrick Shields of Christ Community Church says this giveaway is the most significant cross-denominational, cross-racial coalition of Columbus churches he can remember in his 15 years of ministry in the city.

Volunteers worked through an afternoon thunderstorm to load boxes of meats, vegetables, and dairy products into cars during the Community Food Giveaway hosted by the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2020 in the parking lot of the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia.
Volunteers worked through an afternoon thunderstorm to load boxes of meats, vegetables, and dairy products into cars during the Community Food Giveaway hosted by the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2020 in the parking lot of the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia. Darrell Roaden Special to the Ledger-Enquirer

“Under the umbrella of Christianity, we all try to follow the great commission, and one thing in that is feeding the hungry,” said Rev. George A. Moore of Greater St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal AME Church. “In this season, there are many persons going through a struggle to feed their families, pay their rent and survive.”

Volunteers wore face masks and the layout of the drive-thru giveaway ensured that volunteers and recipients would be socially distanced.

Participating churches included Antioch Baptist in Ft. Mitchell, Christ Community, First African Baptist, Fourth Street Baptist, Greater Beallwood Baptist, Greater Peace Baptist, Greater St. Mark AME, New Providence Baptist, Pierce Chappell UMC, St. James Baptist, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Galilee Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and South Columbus UMC.

Church leaders will discuss this week the possibility of another food giveaway in the future. Those interested in helping the effort can reach out to the above churches.

This reporting is financially supported by Report for America/GroundTruth Project and the Local News and Information Fund at the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley. The Ledger-Enquirer maintains full editorial control of the work.

This story was originally published August 11, 2020 at 7:00 AM.

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Adrienne Underwood
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
706-320-4472
Adrienne Underwood reports on coronavirus recovery for the Ledger-Enquirer as a Report for America corps member. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. This reporting is financially supported by Report for America/GroundTruth Project and the Local News and Information Fund at the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley. The Ledger-Enquirer maintains full editorial control of the work.
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