The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia opened a new 63,000-square-foot facility at 890 Newton Bridge Road, on Thursday, July 18. The ribbon cutting took place at 4 p.m. with several keynote speakers, including Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz, Deputy Commissioner Rusty Haygood from the Department of Community Affairs, Danah Craft from Feeding Georgia, Kevin Price from Kevin Price Construction and Board Chair of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Billy Porter.
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, which has been in existence for over 30 years, works with more than 200 member organizations to annually distribute more than 11 million pounds of food across the 15-county region, totaling about 9.3 million meals for people in Northeast Georgia. According to the FBNEGA, the need for food assistance has never been higher as one in seven people and one in six children in Northeast Georgia are at risk of food insecurity. The new food bank expanded the capacity by 65% to connect more people with food.
The event began with words of gratitude from CEO Erin Barger.
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“This moment is surreal. It is proof that there is a being in the universe that blesses us beyond our imagination,” Barger said. “This last fiscal year the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia has mobilized more pounds of food than any year in history because of these 32 people that I am honored to call my colleagues.”
This new facility was a $15 million project, helped by a $8.9 million grant from the Department of Community Affairs. Feeding Georgia was also involved, helping facilitate $65 million into food banks all across the state.
“I find it consistently true that no good thing happens by just one individual alone,” Girtz said. “We have at least four public sector institutions who joined together to make this happen, maybe hundreds of volunteers and partner entities across all of northeast Georgia.”
The ribbon cutting was a community-oriented project that came to fruition through a team effort. The director of development for the food bank, Kelly Klein, said there are many ways the community can continue to help.
“We would love for people to volunteer, go to our website to sign up and donate funds,” Klein said. “Every dollar donated helps us provide three balanced meals to the community. And people can also donate food, whether they grow food at home, no matter how big or how small any donation is appreciated.”
Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
ATLANTA – Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
Emergency crews in the Atlanta area say they’re feeling the impact firsthand, with a sharp spike in flu-related 911 calls.
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Flu cases in Georgia
What we know:
EMTs and paramedics at American Medical Response in DeKalb County report handling more flu-related calls than usual this season.
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“This is one of the most difficult flu seasons that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Israel Contreras, AMR EMS transformation and innovation manager in the South Region.
Contreras said crews in DeKalb are busier than last flu season.
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“We had an increase of about 60% of flu-like symptoms, cause, that’s including, you know, whatever range of flu-like symptoms, fevers, headaches,” he said.
The surge in calls in DeKalb reflects broader trends reported by the CDC. In its latest report, the agency estimates at least 15 million people have gotten sick this season, resulting in 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths.
While some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week, the CDC cautioned that it is too early to say whether the flu surge has peaked, noting that the holidays may have affected the numbers.
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Super flu symptoms
What they’re saying:
In DeKalb County, Contreras said the increase in calls is straining resources.
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“We have to be ready for any kind of emergency that’s happening and so when we have an increase of this nature, we get delayed because we tax the hospital. So now we’re delayed at the hospitals,” he said.
Contreras added that many flu-related calls are for non-emergencies that could be treated at home.
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He urged residents to call 911 only for life-threatening situations, such as trouble breathing or chest pain, or if symptoms return with a high fever after initially improving.
“I’m not trying to discourage people from calling 911 when they feel like they have an actual life-threatening emergency. I just want people to evaluate whether they actually are having a life-threatening emergency,” he said.
The CDC also attributed the difficult season to a new variant, sometimes called the “super flu.” Doctors are urging everyone to get a flu shot to protect against severe complications and to stay home if they are sick.
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Fighting influenza at home
What you can do:
Based on guidance from AMR and public health officials, DeKalb County encourages residents to:
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Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness. Residents at higher risk should also ask their healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
Stay home when sick. Avoid exposing others by remaining home until symptoms improve.
When to call 911 for the flu
AMR advises residents to call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if they experience:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or persistent pressure
Sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
Severe or prolonged vomiting
Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or worsening cough
The Source: The article cites data from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, alongside an interview between Israel Contreras of AMR and FOX 5’s Tyler Fingert.
Midterm elections could bring a generational shift to Georgia’s delegation in Washington.
U.S House candidate Jim Kingston at an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
The graying halls of Congress don’t usually evoke images of youthful ambition, but a record number of lawmakers are calling it quits in 2026.
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And in Georgia, their replacements may look very different.
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Georgia State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is seen in the House of Representatives in Atlanta on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, served in the U.S. House for 11 terms, leaving to mount a failed U.S. Senate run in 2014. His son Jim is now seeking Jack’s old seat. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
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Pintail Inc. CEO/Owner Kevin Jackson Jr. shows U.S House candidate Jim Kingston around an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
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From student government to the U.S. House?
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Georgia Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, spoke at a rally titled “Make Athens Safer” at City Hall, Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024. (Nell Carroll for the AJC)
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A new normal?
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State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, who plans to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, speaks to the news media at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
Local groups plan to protest around downtown Atlanta Thursday evening after a Minneapolis woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent this week. Reactions from Georgia politicians on the killing have been divided.
