Gwinnett library giving families free food in drive-thru food pantries

The Norcross branch public library at 6025 Buford Highway will be renovated and converted to be a new administration building for the Norcross Police Department. (Courtesy Gwinnett County Public Library)

The Norcross branch public library at 6025 Buford Highway will be renovated and converted to be a new administration building for the Norcross Police Department. (Courtesy Gwinnett County Public Library)

The Gwinnett County Public Library and Atlanta Community Food Bank are partnering to distribute free packages of food in drive-thru food pantries.

The food will be given out on two days in the coming weeks. The first drive-thru food pantry will be held on June 30 at the Dacula branch from 3 to 5 p.m. The second event will be held July 7 at the Norcross branch, also from 3 to 5 p.m.

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Up to 20 lbs. of fresh produce and shelf stable goods will be given to each person or group in line. There is a limit of one package per vehicle, and there is no pre-registration; all food will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Volunteers will bring the packages of food to cars, and those picking up will not have to leave their vehicles.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to millions of people losing their jobs and food insecurity spiking across the country. The Atlanta Community Food Bank and other organizations focused on helping feed people have organized drive-thru pickups like this so people can get food while minimizing contact with others.

The Dacula branch is located at 265 Dacula Road and the Norcross branch is located at 6025 Buford Highway.