As the cost of living continues to climb and recent changes to SNAP eligibility strip benefits from thousands of Georgia families, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is calling on residents to take action this September during Hunger Action Month. The organization, which serves a 29-county region, is seeing demand at historic levels, with 70% more neighbors served than in 2022. The urgency is underscored by Feeding America's latest Map the Meal Gap study, which found that more than 900,000 people, including over 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity in metro Atlanta and north Georgia in 2024—that's 1 in 7 neighbors.
The situation is compounded by policy changes that have already caused more than 100,000 Georgians, nearly 40% of them children, to lose SNAP benefits, with further reductions possible this fall. Even more troubling, over 68% of food-insecure individuals in the region may not qualify for SNAP, up from 62% in 2023. For food-insecure children, that figure jumps to 40% who are ineligible for assistance, compared to 31% the previous year. These statistics highlight a widening gap between those who need help and those who can access it.
“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,” said Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “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.”
To address this crisis, the Food Bank is rolling out a series of initiatives designed to rally community support. One of the most impactful ways to help is through donations. Throughout September, every dollar contributed will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, meaning a $1 donation can provide up to six meals. Gifts can be made online at the donation page.
Volunteering is another crucial avenue for support. The Food Bank needs hands to sort and package food at its East Point headquarters and at Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Atlanta. Available shifts can be found at acfb.org/volunteer. For those who prefer to take action from home, the 30 Ways in 30 Days challenge offers daily suggestions on social media to raise awareness and fight hunger.
The Food Bank also encourages supporters to wear orange, the official color of hunger relief, throughout the month to spark conversations and show solidarity. Additionally, advocacy is key: residents are urged to explore policies and programs that can help eliminate hunger and make their voices heard through resources like Feeding America's action center.
The month will culminate on Hunger Action Day, Tuesday, Sept. 29, when Atlanta landmarks are expected to light up orange in a visual display of support. As part of the nationwide Feeding America network, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is one of more than 250 food banks observing Hunger Action Month. Supporters can share their efforts using #HungerActionMonth and tagging @acfb.
The stakes are high. With over 900,000 neighbors at risk, the Food Bank's work is more critical than ever. By giving, volunteering, or advocating, every Georgian can play a part in ensuring that no one in their community goes hungry.
