Atlanta Community Food Bank Honors 2025 Hunger Champions for Community Impact

The Atlanta Community Food Bank, one of the nation's largest food banks, has announced its 2025 Hunger Champions, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fighting hunger in the community. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions across five categories: Food Donor of the Year, Partner Agency of the Year, Public Official of the Year, Supporters of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. The recognition comes at a critical time as food insecurity continues to rise in Georgia and funding sources shift, making community support more vital than ever for sustaining essential programs.

Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating that the Hunger Champions embody true community leadership by generously committing their time and resources to the fight against hunger. These awards specifically honor those who have gone above and beyond to advance the Food Bank's mission and expand food access across the region. Nominees for the Hunger Champions were selected based on their contributions during the previous fiscal year, with winners announced at a luncheon hosted at the Atlanta Community Food Bank headquarters.

The Kroger Company received Food Donor of the Year honors, having launched its partnership with the Food Bank in 1999 and steadily growing its support for neighbors in need. The company currently donates nutritious food seven days a week, with last year's contributions helping provide more than three million pounds of food, including over 1.4 million pounds of perishable items such as meat, deli items, refrigerated products, and produce. Their team's regular collaboration with the Food Bank ensures that donations effectively meet local community needs.

Margie's House was named Partner Agency of the Year for its tremendous impact, distributing more than 409,000 pounds of food with over 42 percent being fresh produce. The nonprofit organization also served as the largest Commodity Supplemental Food Program partner with an allotment of 371 boxes. Their comprehensive services extend beyond food distribution to include a clothing closet and community garden, with Saturday distributions making services more accessible to community members.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper earned Public Official of the Year recognition for his continuous support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and all eight Georgia food banks. His office has worked to increase the state budget for the Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Program, while Commissioner Harper has personally advocated for food banks by testifying about their work and how the program helps organizations meet high demand. His guidance has expanded awareness of food bank operations among state officials and legislators.

The Schoen Foundation was honored as Supporters of the Year after investing $1.5 million to bolster the Food Bank's response to food insecurity. The foundation contributed $1 million toward the Transforming the Neighbor Experience campaign to support expansion of the Community Food Center model and accelerate Digital Transformation at the Food Bank. Their generous contribution also helped the Food Bank procure, store, and distribute nearly 1.5 million meals directly to neighbors in need.

Raymond Wright received Volunteer of the Year honors for his admirable commitment to the Food Bank, serving as a vital part of the Stone Mountain Community Food Center. Whether carrying groceries through rain to neighbors in need or providing warm welcomes at the CFC entrance, Wright's dedication has become essential to operations. Staff rely on his knowledge, dependability, and equipment to help serve more than 180 households daily and distribute over 150,000 pounds of food monthly.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank, as the Southeast's largest food bank, connects more than 820,000 people with healthy and nutritious food throughout the year while working with more than 700 nonprofit partners to combat food insecurity. The organization's recognition of these Hunger Champions highlights the critical role that community partnerships play in addressing food access challenges and supporting vulnerable populations across the region.