The Atlanta Community Food Bank is calling on Georgians to “Play Your Part” this September during Hunger Action Month, as the region faces unprecedented food insecurity. The Food Bank, which serves a 29-county area, reports that it is currently providing food to 70% more neighbors than in 2022, reflecting the growing economic pressures on families across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.
According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap study, more than 900,000 people, including over 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. That equates to 1 in 7 neighbors struggling to access adequate nutrition. The situation is exacerbated by recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which have caused more than 100,000 Georgians – nearly 40% of them children – to lose benefits. Further reductions are possible this fall, adding to the strain on households already stretched thin by rising housing, health care, and grocery costs.
Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the disconnect between income and assistance eligibility. “The majority of the neighbors we serve are working. 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.” Indeed, more than 68% of food-insecure individuals in the service area may not qualify for SNAP, up from 62% in 2023, and 40% of food-insecure children may not qualify for assistance programs, up from 31%.
To address this crisis, the Food Bank has outlined several ways for the public to get involved:
• Give: Every dollar donated during September will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. A $1 donation can provide up to six meals. Gifts can be made at Donate | Atlanta Community Food Bank.
• Volunteer: Individuals can sign up for shifts to sort and package food at the Food Bank’s East Point headquarters or at Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Atlanta. Available shifts are listed at acfb.org/volunteer.
• 30 Ways in 30 Days Challenge: The Food Bank is promoting a daily challenge on social media to raise awareness and offer actionable tips to fight hunger.
• Go Orange: Orange is the color of hunger relief. Supporters are encouraged to wear orange throughout the month to show their support.
• Advocate: Explore policies and programs to help eliminate hunger and make your voice heard through Feeding America Action.
The month culminates in Hunger Action Day on Tuesday, Sept. 29, when Atlanta landmarks are expected to “Light Up Orange” to draw attention to the cause. Supporters can share their efforts using #HungerActionMonth and tagging @acfb.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank, part of the Feeding America network of more than 250 food banks, works with over 700 community-based partners to provide food to families, children, and seniors. In 2023, the Food Bank distributed its one billionth meal, underscoring the scale of need and the importance of community action. As Hunger Action Month unfolds, the organization emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in ensuring neighbors have the nourishment they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
