Atlanta Community Food Bank Honors 2025 Hunger Champions Amid Rising Food Insecurity
The Atlanta Community Food Bank recognized five outstanding contributors in its annual Hunger Champions awards, highlighting critical community support as food insecurity increases across Georgia.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank recently announced its 2025 Hunger Champions, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fighting hunger in the community. The awards come at a critical time as food insecurity continues to rise in Georgia and funding sources shift, making community support more vital than ever for sustaining programs that serve neighbors in need.
"As food insecurity continues to rise in Georgia and funding sources shift, we depend on our community more than ever to sustain vital programs for neighbors in need," said Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "Our Hunger Champions embody true community leadership, generously committing their time and resources to the fight against hunger."
The Kroger Company earned Food Donor of the Year honors for its consistent support since launching its partnership with the Food Bank in 1999. The company currently donates nutritious food seven days a week, with last year's contributions providing more than three million pounds of food, including over 1.4 million pounds of perishable items such as meat, deli items, refrigerated products, and produce.
Margie's House received Partner Agency of the Year recognition for distributing more than 409,000 pounds of food, with more than 42 percent being produce. The nonprofit organization also served as the largest Commodity Supplemental Food Program partner with an allotment of 371 boxes. Their comprehensive services include a clothing closet and community garden, with Saturday distributions accommodating neighbors during more accessible times.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper was named Public Official of the Year for his continuous support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and all eight Georgia food banks. His office worked to increase the state budget for the Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Program and advocated for food banks by testifying about their work and the high demand they experience.
The Schoen Foundation received Supporters of the Year honors after investing $1.5 million to bolster the Food Bank's response to food insecurity. The foundation contributed $1 million toward the Transforming the Neighbor Experience campaign to support expansion of the Community Food Center model and accelerate Digital Transformation at the Food Bank. Their contribution also helped procure, store, and distribute nearly 1.5 million meals directly to neighbors in need.
Raymond Wright earned Volunteer of the Year recognition for his vital role at the Stone Mountain Community Food Center, where he helps serve more than 180 households daily and distributes over 150,000 pounds of food monthly. Staff rely on his knowledge, dependability, and commitment to carrying groceries through rain or greeting neighbors with warm welcomes.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Southeast's largest food bank, connects more than 820,000 people with healthy and nutritious food throughout the year and works with more than 700 nonprofit partners to fight food insecurity in the communities they serve.