MACON, Ga. — Atrium Health Navicent is trying to fight food insecurity with a food distribution event on Friday, according to a press release from the hospital.
Atrium says they will be distributing 40,000 pounds of food at their Eisenhower Parkway primary care center between 9 a.m. and noon on Friday.
The food will be given out while supplies last and Atrium specifically mentioned fresh fruit, produce and other pantry staples.
They say the distribution will be set up in a drive-thru format, and they ask individuals to enter the distribution center from Bloomfield Road. That entrance is across the street from the CVS. The press release says they'll be police officers directing traffic.
But for people without cars, Atrium notes that walk-ups are welcome if they're able to carry the food home.
In their press release, Atrium says it is part of an effort to improve health outcomes in Central Georgia through a focus on healthy food.
“Small, healthy changes on a family level can make a big difference to the overall health of our community,” Atrium Health Navicent President Delvecchio Finley said in the press release.
Back in February 2022, the hospital began its "Healthy Communities Food as Medicine Market and Food Farmacy" program. In its first year, they say the program helped 1,800 Central Georgians and provided 29,000 pounds of food to people in need, the hospital said. The "Food Farmacy" is located at 618 Orange Street Lane.
They have regular distribution between Monday and Wednesday afternoons and Tuesday mornings by appointment, the press release said. For people interested or who have questions, Atrium says you can call 478-633-5656.
The hospital is also using the distribution event Friday to discuss the "Medicaid redetermination process." In February, the Georgia Department of Human Services reported more than 550,000 lost Medicaid benefits after federal funds dried up.
The Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care in west Macon is located at 3780 Eisenhower Parkway.