As the financial strain of housing, health care, and grocery costs continues to mount, and with recent changes to SNAP eligibility adding further pressure on households, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is rallying Georgians to take action this September during Hunger Action Month. The Food Bank, which serves as the central logistics hub for a 29-county region, reports that it is currently serving more neighbors than at any point in its history—a 70% increase compared to 2022. According to Feeding America's most recent Map the Meal Gap study, over 900,000 people, including more than 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity across metro Atlanta and north Georgia in 2024, representing 1 in 7 neighbors.
The need is being exacerbated by policy shifts. More than 100,000 Georgians, nearly 40% of them children, have lost SNAP benefits under changes enacted last year, with further reductions potentially taking effect this fall. Additionally, over 68% of people facing hunger in the 29-county area may not qualify for SNAP, a figure that has risen from 62% in 2023. The percentage of food-insecure children who may not qualify for food assistance programs has also climbed to 40%, up from 31%.
Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, highlighted the paradox facing many families: "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."
The Food Bank is offering several ways for the public to get involved. Donations made during September will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, with each dollar providing up to six meals. Contributions can be made at Donate | Atlanta Community Food Bank. Volunteers can sign up for shifts at the Food Bank's East Point headquarters or at Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Atlanta, with available times listed at acfb.org/volunteer. The Food Bank is also promoting a 30 Ways in 30 Days challenge on social media, offering daily suggestions for fighting hunger. Supporters are encouraged to wear orange throughout the month to show solidarity, and to advocate for policies that address hunger through resources like Issue Areas - Feeding America Action.
Hunger Action Day will be observed on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with landmarks across Atlanta expected to light up orange. The campaign is part of the nationwide Hunger Action Month observed by the Feeding America network, which includes more than 250 food banks. Supporters can share their actions using #HungerActionMonth and tagging @acfb on social media.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 community-based partners across 29 counties to distribute food to families, children, and seniors. In 2023, the organization distributed its one billionth meal. With the demand for food assistance at record levels, the Food Bank's call to action underscores the critical need for community involvement to ensure that all neighbors have access to nutritious meals. The organization's efforts are vital as the gap between earnings and expenses continues to widen for many working families, making hunger relief an increasingly pressing issue.
