The Atlanta Community Food Bank is rallying Georgians to "Play Your Part" this September during Hunger Action Month, joining the nationwide Feeding America network. With rising costs for housing, health care, and groceries, and recent changes to SNAP eligibility adding strain to households, the Food Bank emphasizes that collective action is crucial to help neighbors access nutritious food.
The Food Bank, which serves as the central logistics hub for a 29-county region, 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. That translates to 1 in 7 neighbors facing hunger.
Recent policy shifts have exacerbated the situation. 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, more than 68% of people facing hunger in the Food Bank's service area may not qualify for SNAP, up from 62% in 2023. For children, 40% of food-insecure kids may not qualify for food assistance programs, up from 31%.
Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, highlighted the growing gap between income and expenses: "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. 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 outlines several ways for individuals to take action:
Give: Every dollar donated during September will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, potentially providing up to six meals per dollar. Donations can be made at Donate | Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Volunteer: Sign up for shifts 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: Throughout September, the Food Bank promotes a social media challenge offering daily suggestions for actions to fight hunger.
Go Orange: Orange symbolizes hunger relief, so wearing orange apparel throughout the month shows support.
Advocate: Explore policies and programs to help eliminate hunger and make voices heard. More information is available at Issue Areas - Feeding America Action.
Hunger Action Day is Tuesday, Sept. 29, when landmarks across Atlanta are expected to Light Up Orange. Hunger Action Month is observed each September by the Feeding America network of over 250 food banks nationwide. Supporters can share their actions using #HungerActionMonth and tagging @acfb.
The Food Bank's mission is to end hunger through food distribution, community partnerships, and advocacy. With over 700 community-based partners, it helps thousands of families, children, and seniors annually. In 2023, the organization distributed its one billionth meal. As the need continues to rise, the Food Bank's call to action is more urgent than ever.
