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Metro Atlanta megachurch reaches milestone, gives out free groceries to its millionth person

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announced its “Mega Million Milestone” in curbing food insecurities since the pandemic after serving its one millionth person.

The megachurch started weekly food distribution led by The King’s Table when the pandemic started two and half years ago.

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DeKalb Resident Priscilla Ward, 69, became the millionth person to receive free groceries and shelf-stable items, according to a news release.

Ward said she didn’t realize what was happening at first when she went through the distribution line with her sister Brenda Billings in the passenger seat.

After the cheers, confetti and a presentation of household appliances, Ward realized the day’s significance.

“I feel wonderful. This was a surprise of a lifetime,” said Ward.

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New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant said people can move mountains when they come together.

“The persistent truth is that mounting food insecurity for families and seniors continue to be a solemn reality as our global markets continue to sputter, rising inflation rates challenge our checkbooks and the looming threat of a recession constricts our economic outlook,” said Bryant. “The power of people, when we come together, can truly move mountains. More than 100 partners have remained committed to being the best example of humanity in the time of crisis.”

Ward also received a $1,000 check after joining Dr. Bryant for a special ceremony.

“I’m just overwhelmed by the joy of the Lord,” said Ward.

Saturday’s special moment featured 300 volunteers, community leaders, corporate sponsors and international partners.

“Thanks to the generosity of our partners, we were able to mobilize a network of community-based organizations to ensure the reach of The King’s Table was never limited to families in our immediate radius,” said New Birth’s Outreach Pastor Carla Stokes. “What people have witnessed of The King’s Table over these last few years really has focused on our Saturday outreach but we work throughout the week to ensure our regional partners can mirror our outreach efforts in their respective locations and have the resources to help curb hunger in their community.”

New Birth launched The King’s Table food pantry, initially serving 30 families each month in 2020. Within a week after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, The King’s Table hosted weekly food distributions drawing thousands of cars each Saturday.

New Birth and The King’s Table streamed the Road to One Million documentary on the church’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

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