While touring school pantries, Publix executives heard about Pearson Middle School’s Fresh Market and decided to pay a visit to the school grocery store for those in need. That visit turned into a partnership.
Publix selected Pearson’s Fresh Market for Publix’s week of giving back.
“Publix liked how unique our distribution is set up, how long we have been doing this, and the number of families we serve monthly. They asked about partnering with us during their Fall Publix Serves Week. They hold Publix Serves twice a year, and in the Fall, their focus is alleviating hunger,” explained Pearson Principal Dean Yoder.
Aside from fresh vegetables, frozen meats, and canned goods, Publix also provided breakfast to the families waiting to enter the Pearson Fresh Market.
Pearson currently obtains food supplies from MUST Ministries and private donors.
“During every distribution, we are fortunate to have one volunteer who generously donates 80 gallons of whole milk and 80 loaves of bread,” Principal Yoder added. “Unfortunately, we no longer receive direct food supplies from Atlanta Community Food Bank.”
There is a team of volunteers who help keep the Pearson Fresh Market open for those in need. Volunteers for each food distribution include a dedicated team of 6-8 GracePointe Church volunteers, 4-6 Pearson team members, and 4-6 Pearson students.
“Their commitment and hard work make a significant impact, and we are grateful for their service,” Principal Yoder praised.
The Fresh Market originally opened a few years ago at Fair Oaks Elementary School when Principal Yoder led the school. When Principal Yoder opened Pearson in 2021, the former Fair Oaks principal took the opportunity to expand the reach of the Fresh Market and help more Cobb families access the necessities they need. The Pilot’s Hangar, which compliments the Pearson grocery store, also originated at Fair Oaks as the Eagle’s Closet.
Typically, Pearson serves 80-125 families in need during each distribution. Since opening at Fair Oaks, the Fresh Market has distributed nearly 3,500 pounds of food per distribution. 
The Fresh Market and Pilots Hangar are currently open once a month, usually on the third Saturday of the month. The hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Like last year, Pearson is expanding their help for the community during the upcoming holidays.
“We are pleased to announce that we will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to keep the tradition alive,” Principal Yoder revealed. “Currently, we have already received 110 family members’ sign-ups for the dinner. Additionally, on December 9, we will host our 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. and offer free family pictures during both events to our community. We also hope to continue our partnership with Allatoona High School for both events and look forward to seeing everyone there.”
