A nonprofit grocery store working to fight food insecurity in Atlanta is asking the community to help it stay open and keep its shelves filled.

The Grocery Spot has been offering free groceries to the public since 2021 with a focus on teachers, students, and health professionals. The store is run by volunteers and uses donations to offer fresh food to the public.

Recently, the nonprofit moved to a much larger space to help more people.

Volunteer coordinator Darius Tigner said demand has risen alongside the high costs of food.

“We went from serving 300 to 400 people every day, and now we're at 850,” he said. “So that number has increased significantly because, of course, we were still dealing with the expenses of food. Food is, you know, very pricey for the average household nowadays.”

Tigner 'sstore is also looking for more volunteers. The Grocery Spot has about 21 and it would take about 40 people to help stock shelves and unload trucks efficiently.

The nonprofit partners with other food justice organizations like Atlanta Community Food Bank and Second Helpings Atlanta. Tigner said the store is different from a food bank because it’s a wider selection of food.

“You’re able to walk in and pick out your fresh fruits and your produce," he said. "The vegetables, your meat, your canned food your shelved items, your macaroni and cheese, your snacks, your cereal — all of that. And so, we cater to different dietary needs.”

The grocery store is open Monday for students, teachers, public servants, and health professionals. The store is open to the public on Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Donations can be made online.

Tags: food insecurity  Georgia