Several local elected officials, with help from Farm Share, will get together and host a free food drive-through in Jacksonville on Saturday to help families in need get through the coronavirus pandemic.
State Rep. Kimberly Daniels and Jacksonville City Councilmembers Ju'Coby Pittman, Reggie Gaffney, and Brenda Priestly Jackson will be giving food to more than 1,000 households on Saturday at the Shops of Sherwood on Soutel Drive.
They, along with Farm Share, will be giving out bags of groceries and non-perishable food between 9 a.m. and noon.
"During this urgent time of need, our partnership is essential to the community that we serve. Without the support of Farm Share, this event would not be possible. We appreciate the city of Jacksonville and Farm Share for standing in the gap, to ensure food and resources are available for families to receive the blessings of sharing," said Rep. Daniels.
Related: Local, State, And National Coronavirus Coverage
"As the coronavirus increases in Jacksonville, I know people are still in need within our community. I believe it is important to take care of the least among us during this time. For that reason, I look forward to participating in our drive through food give away. I am encouraging those in need to come and get groceries," said Councilman Reggie Gaffney.
At the event, food will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
Walk ups will not be allowed. That's to help maintain social distancing, which the city says should be enforced at all times, even at food distribution events.
Do not host gathering events of any kind and no events should be held for distribution of food and other household staples that do not follow the social distancing and safety guidelines we’ve been talking about for weeks now. The threat to our at-risk citizens is too great.
— City of Jacksonville (COJ) (@CityofJax) March 26, 2020
"This is just the beginning and hopefully we can continue to have these food share opportunities where families could come and get the help that they need," said Councilwoman Pittman.
Donations can be made at FarmShare.org or by texting "EAT" to 41-4444.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
