Addressing Hunger in Atlanta: How You Can Help

Hunger in Atlanta isn’t relegated to one neighborhood or demographic. Individuals, seniors, and parents who work long hours to bring home enough money to feed their children all rely on the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and its partner associations to bring substantial meals into their homes. The statistics are overwhelming; according to Feeding America, one in every 7.5 people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia turn to food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves each year.

These people face tough choices about feeding their families each day: 73 percent reported that they’ve had to choose between buying food and paying for medical care. There are, however, more encouraging statistics: 80,600 people are served by the ACFB every week, and with every dollar donated, the food bank can provide more than $9 in groceries to someone in need.

The ACFB and its supporters provide a wide array of options for community members who seek to help. From cooking classes to hands-on sorting at the warehouse, there’s a way for everyone to fight hunger in metro Atlanta:

For apartment residents, the Atlanta Apartment Association hosts its annual Food-A-Thon, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the ACFB through its affiliated communities. Residents at participating complexes can tack on a monetary donation to their rent check, and anyone can start or join a team.

Simple Abundance cooking classes and dinners are getting foodies involved in the fight against hunger. For only $55, aspiring culinary experts can enjoy dinner and instruction from top area chefs like Kevin Gillespie and Hugh Acheson. All proceeds go toward the ACFB, as the chefs and venues donate their time and space.

Supper Club is an easy way to turn a night out into a donation to the food bank. Each month, an Atlanta restaurant hosts a Supper Club night, where 20 percent of the evenings proceeds go straight to the ACFB.

Hands-on volunteering is an easy way to support the ACFB, whether it’s sorting cans and other donated food products in the food bank’s warehouse, or enjoying the fall weather in one of the ACFB’s Community Gardens.

Most simply, the ACFB is constantly accepting donations from individuals. Sign up for their newsletter to learn where to drop off cans, or donate through their website. For every dollar donated, 95 cents goes directly to services in the community.

One person, whether through volunteering or attending an event, can truly make a difference and combat hunger in their community. I urge you all to join the fight.