NEWS from the Shelby County Mayor’s Office
Lee Harris, Mayor
Vasco A. Smith, Jr., Administration Building
11th Floor, 160 North Main, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 13, 2020
Courtney Tipper
Interim Public Information Officer
Office: 901.222.2322
Mobile: 901.481.3422
SHELBY COUNTY DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, MAYOR LEE HARRIS, AND KROGER PARTNER TO PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH FOOD AND ESSENTIAL ASSISTANCE DURING COVID-19
Memphis, TN – Shelby County Government Division of Community Services, Mayor Lee Harris, and Kroger are partnering to provide food and essential items to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, the Division of Community Services received approval for funding by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to establish the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Program to provide social services for residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the funding was allocated, the Division of Community Services has served over 250 families/individuals with food and essential assistance. To ensure they can meet the needs of the community, the Division of Community Services has partnered with local Kroger stores to expand their capacity with food and essential distribution.
The Division of Community Services and Kroger staff (volunteers) are scheduled to distribute approximately 300 food and essential boxes to residents who have applied, been approved and notified for pickup for the COVID-19 emergency assistance program. The distribution will take place at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at the Agricenter International (7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120). Boxes are valued at $200 each and contain items such as meats products, milk, vegetables, fruit, toiletries, household essentials, etc. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris will join staff and volunteers during this food distribution event.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “We have all been impacted in some way by COVID-19. During these unprecedented times, it is such a relief to see our community working together to serve those in need. We are indeed grateful for the additional support provided by Kroger to help supply meals to those in our community affected by the current COVID-19 crisis.”
Division of Community Services Director Dorcas Young Griffin: “To have created a partnership between a public and private entity for a cause like this is a testament that we are all in this together, and want to lend as much support to our community during these times.”
This event will comply with the local health department’s social distancing guidelines. To ensure the safety of staff and patrons, distribution will be a “drive-thru” service. Drivers are asked to enter from Germantown Parkway and exit using the Walnut Grove entrance. Press are encouraged to attend.
(end of release)
