Volunteers organize to deliver free groceries in Atlanta

ATLANTA - March 30, 2020 - PRLog -- Two weeks ago, many Atlanta area public schools had not yet closed, and nonessential businesses were still operating. But community organizers from the local chapter of Food Not Bombs were already springing into action to provide free grocery delivery in Atlanta through the new Food4Life initiative.

"A lot of people take a wait-and-see approach to a crisis," says organizer Marlon Kautz. "They wait and hope that elected officials have a plan to take care of everything, or that Amazon and Walmart will keep everyone fed. But nobody has a plan, and we can't wait for them. If we want everyone to get the care they need, we have to make our own plan."

Food Not Bombs volunteers are no strangers to food distribution, as they've been distributing free groceries in Atlanta for over ten years. But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has created exponentially more need. In just two weeks, Food4Life has provided direct delivery of free groceries to over 200 households, and over 700 people have signed up to volunteer.

Thanks to its core principles of self-organization and mutual aid, Food4Life was able to launch and respond with lightning speed while both federal and state relief efforts have lagged.

"Mutual aid means everyone gives what they can so everyone gets what they need," explains Kautz. "And mutual aid is critical right now, because the government and businesses can't and won't take care of everyone's needs. But when ordinary people organize to help each other, we can reach those who are being left out."

In the two weeks since its inception, Food4Life has been met by a flood of volunteers, donations, and requests for food. Bulk food is donated by charities, grocery stores, community groups, and farmers. Volunteers are provided with protective equipment and training, which includes strict sanitation measures. To avoid direct contact, grocery deliveries are dropped off outside the recipients' homes.
The group is also working on other survival initiatives, such as sustainable farming and housing advocacy.

Volunteers wishing to help with deliveries or donate to this effort can learn more at https://atlsurvival.org/.