A New Class of Hunger in America and North Fulton

by Linda McMillian

NORTH FULTON, GA —Covid 19 has added a new class of Americans to the lines of hungry families at food banks- Workers forced out of their jobs by illness or circumstances beyond their control as a result of pandemic affected economics.

In North Fulton County, the situation at local food banks reflects the national trend. Accordingly, North Fulton Community Charities recently put out a call for much needed pasta and corn for the nonprofit's food bank to accommodate the increased demand.

The local call was answered by the youth of the Roswell Georgia Stake (diocese) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In its second annual food drive effort, the group collected over a 1000+ boxes of pasta and over 500 cans of corn as well as additional foodstuffs according to Camie Christensen, Roswell Georgia Stake Young Women President.

Christensen reported, "We met at NFCC on Saturday morning and the youth members of the stake youth council came with their cars and trunks full of food donations. We worked together to unload all the food into some giant rolling crates in the NFCC shed. It was great to see the youth work together and recognize the results of their efforts..."

"A representative from the charity commented that they never thought they would run out of canned corn, but they did find themselves low, so they were thankful for that. And they had taken pasta off of their “needs” list after they had passed the request on to us, so I’m glad we had a good response."

The youth leader further noted, "Each fall, a new group of youth representatives from their local congregation begin their service as members of the Stake Youth Committee... As a kickoff to their year of service, they coordinated a food drive to benefit North Fulton Community Charities."

"They made posters, sent texts, emails, made announcements, and attended council meetings for the congregation to share the information about the canned food drive. They supplied collection boxes, and collected the items donated each week. Then on the morning of October 2nd they gathered together to unload the items at NFCC. It was gratifying for them to realize how their efforts had such a big impact. They learned valuable lessons on communication, coordination and planning, and as a result, made a big difference in their community.

"This canned food service project prepared them with how to create a plan, communicate effectively, and bring together youth and families for a great cause."

Food drive participant Bailey Roner shared her thoughts on the experience, "It was an amazing effort! Everyone was generous and immediately tried to spread the word of the food drive as much as possible and donated. It was a great opportunity to be like our Savior Jesus Christ and be able to help and lift up others, and gave us a chance to exercise our faith in Him. I know several were blessed and strengthened, and that Heavenly Father is proud of us/them and loves us so so much... and it was really amazing to direct and see everyone be like the Savior and so open, accepting, and loving."