The Atlanta Community Food Bank is calling on Georgians to 'Play Your Part' this September during Hunger Action Month, as the organization faces unprecedented demand amid rising costs and changes to federal food assistance programs. The Food Bank, which serves a 29-county region, is currently providing food to 70% more neighbors than in 2022, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
Feeding America's latest Map the Meal Gap study reveals that more than 900,000 people, including over 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity in metro Atlanta and north Georgia in 2024. That translates to 1 in 7 neighbors struggling to access adequate nutrition. The situation is exacerbated by recent SNAP eligibility changes that have removed benefits from more than 100,000 Georgians, nearly 40% of whom are children. Additional reductions may take effect this fall.
Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized that the majority of those served are working individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for SNAP but not enough to cover basic expenses. 'More than two-thirds of our neighbors facing hunger earn too much to qualify for SNAP and too little to cover groceries once rent, gas, and health care are paid,' Waide said. 'That gap is where the Food Bank lives, and it is growing. During Hunger Action Month, we encourage the community to give, volunteer, and speak up, and join us in our work to help close that gap.'
The Food Bank notes that 68% of food-insecure individuals in its service area may not qualify for SNAP, up from 62% in 2023. Among food-insecure children, 40% may be ineligible for food assistance programs, compared to 31% the previous year. These statistics underscore the critical role of food banks as a safety net for those who fall through the cracks of federal programs.
To address the growing need, the Food Bank has outlined several ways for the community to get involved during Hunger Action Month. Donations made in September will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, with every $1 providing up to six meals. Supporters can contribute at Donate | Atlanta Community Food Bank. Volunteer shifts are available at the Food Bank's East Point headquarters and its Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Atlanta; sign-up details can be found at acfb.org/volunteer.
The organization is also promoting a '30 Ways in 30 Days' challenge on social media, offering daily actions to raise awareness and fight hunger. Participants are encouraged to wear orange, the color of hunger relief, throughout the month, and to advocate for policies that address food insecurity through resources like Feeding America Action.
Hunger Action Day will be observed on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with Atlanta landmarks expected to 'Light Up Orange' in support. The month-long campaign is part of the nationwide Feeding America network, which includes over 250 food banks. The Atlanta Community Food Bank has been at the forefront of hunger relief for decades, distributing its one billionth meal in 2023.
As the economic pressures of housing, health care, and groceries continue to mount, the Food Bank's call to action highlights the urgent need for community support. 'Everyone can take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive,' the release stated. With one in seven neighbors facing hunger, the stakes have never been higher.
