How a Drive-Thru Food Pantry is Helping Families Combat Rising Prices Amid Tariff Concerns

STONECREST, Ga. — On Saturday, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest was bustling as volunteers from The King’s Table gave away 1,000 boxes of free food to families in need.

Some people arrived early, even sleeping in their cars to ensure they got a spot in the long line.

Mary Youngblood is a regular visitor at these events. She finds them to be a big help: “It’s been helping me out a lot. Sometimes, I don’t need to go to the grocery store because I’m getting food here.”

As food costs continue to rise, the church is doing its part to support struggling families. This was the first free food distribution of the year, where groceries were given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Families received fresh produce, protein, and shelf-stable items during this drive-thru event.

Felicia Cannon, the operations manager of The King’s Table, highlighted the struggle many face with grocery prices: “A lot of people can’t really afford to shop. For example, the price of eggs is almost five dollars.”

In addition to rising food prices, concerns are growing about President Trump’s tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, which could push prices even higher for many products. “This will greatly impact how many people we see coming to the food pantry,” Cannon explained. “Food pantries across the country are going to feel the strain.”

As the line grew longer, many voiced worries about the potential for further price increases due to these tariffs. Johnny Brinson shared his frustration: “Just two or three bags of groceries costs over $100. That’s outrageous.”

Experts predict that these tariffs could lead to a price hike on items such as tomatoes, tequila, and even gas by as much as 70 cents per gallon.

Mary Youngblood summed it up: “Everybody is just going to have to buckle down and do what they have to do to survive.”

You can find The King’s Table distributing food every month on the first and third Saturday at 9 a.m. Boxes are served while supplies last.