Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- A local church and business have partnered and embarked on a monthlong food drive to curb hunger in Norcross.

World Changers Church of Norcross and BJ's Wholesale Club will conduct a community food drive through Oct. 30 seeking donations of non-perishable and canned foods with a goal of raising at least one ton of food.

Donation bins will be set up at BJ's Wholesale Club, 6344 Cash Court in Norcross. All items that are collected will go to the World Changers Church Food Pantry, which has served hot meals to more than 520 families in need and has provided almost 350 bags of groceries this year.

"We have seen the percentages of families in need increase more than 15 (percent) over last year and we are determined to do our part as a church organization to lighten the load for the families in our community," said Byron Bell, the church's community outreach director. "So many people from all walks of life have been affected by the financial stress that has hit our economy."

Bell said more than half of the children living within the areas served by the church's food pantry only eat a hot meal while at school.

"Concentration and performance at school are tremendously affected by health and diet," he said. "We want to be part of the solution."

For more information on the food drive, call 770-263-7569, ext. 211.