As the economic pressures of housing, health care, and grocery costs continue to mount, compounded by recent changes to SNAP eligibility, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is calling on Georgians to 'Play Your Part' this September during Hunger Action Month. The organization, which serves as the central logistics hub for a 29-county region, reports that it is now serving more neighbors than at any point in its history—70% more than in 2022. According to Feeding America's most recent Map the Meal Gap study, over 900,000 people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia, including more than 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. That equates to 1 in 7 neighbors facing hunger.
The situation is exacerbated by policy changes that have stripped SNAP benefits from more than 100,000 Georgians, nearly 40% of whom are children. Further reductions could take effect this fall. The Food Bank notes that more than 68% of people facing hunger in its service area may not qualify for SNAP, up from 62% in 2023. Similarly, 40% of food-insecure children may be ineligible for federal food assistance programs, a significant jump from 31% the previous year.
Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized that the majority of those served are working individuals and families. "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 take action throughout September. Donations made during the month will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, with every $1 providing up to 6 meals. Contributions can be made online at Donate | Atlanta Community Food Bank. Volunteers are also needed to sort and package food at the organization's East Point headquarters or at its Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Atlanta. Available shifts can be found at acfb.org/volunteer.
In addition to financial and volunteer support, the Food Bank is promoting its 30 Ways in 30 Days challenge on social media, offering daily suggestions for actions people can take to fight hunger. Supporters are also encouraged to wear orange, the color of hunger relief, and to participate in advocacy efforts by exploring policies and programs through Feeding America Action.
Hunger Action Day will be observed on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with landmarks across Atlanta expected to light up orange. Hunger Action Month is part of a nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network, which includes more than 250 food banks. Supporters can share their participation using #HungerActionMonth and tagging @acfb.
