Hundreds of free meals given out today, more planned for later this week

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — If you know of anyone who needs a hot meal in metro Atlanta, the Global Mall in Norcross is hosting another free food giveaway.

This isn’t the first time free meals have been given away at the mall. Earlier in April, people were lined up around the building to get free food.

With so many people out of work, many families are struggling to put food on the table.

Today’s meals were given out from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the mall on Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

But there are other opportunities for family to collect free meals.

Channel 2’s Lauren Pozen was at the Excel Church in Conyers Wednesday, where volunteers handed out free groceries for hundreds of families in need. People stayed in their cars, popped the trunk and volunteers loaded their cars with groceries.

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"We’ve got big packs of chicken, we’ve got beef, vegetables, frozen goods, can goods but there’s also cosmetic items we have things for women, toiletries, special products,” said pastor K. Francis Smith.

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But they were surprised at the turnout at the first giveaway.

“You get to hear their heart and that is the greatest joy,” Smith said. “People that come up and say, ‘Pastor, thank you so much,’ and they’re really appreciative.”

At another food giveaway at the Global Mall a few week ago, volunteers rushed to make more food because they ran out of meals even before the time set for the event to begin.

“The demand was so much, it was pouring out and people are coming out,” said Vandana Aggarwal with the Global Mall. “We increased that quantity to one thousand meals per day.”

Organizers said they knew there was a demand in the area because of the amount of laid-off workers and extended stay hotels along Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

“You see first-hand how many people are in need today, so it’s our goal to be able to continue to do this in the future,” Shiv Aggarwal with Global Mall said.

Channel 2 Action News spoke to one man who was able to collect a meal at the first giveaway. He said it really helps for people who can’t work right now.

“I'm a disabled individual. It's been really, really hard for us because all I have is about eight hundred bucks and no ability to do anything,” said Bahman Motlagh.

Organizers said they are blessed to help out the community.

“I look at it as a blessing. We are blessed that we are able to set up and help people that are in need right now,” Walia said.

Food giveaway in Norcross sees major turnout due to coronavirus pandemic The organizers are already considering expanding the service.

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