Atlanta Community Food Bank Mobilizes Community During Hunger Action Month as Food Insecurity Reaches Decade High
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is leading a community-wide mobilization effort during Hunger Action Month to address record food insecurity levels exacerbated by recent federal program cuts, with 1 in 7 Georgians and 1 in 5 children facing hunger.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank, one of the nation's largest food banks, is calling on community members to join the fight against hunger during September's Hunger Action Month as food insecurity in America reaches its highest rate in over a decade. Recent data shows over 47 million people facing hunger nationwide, including 14 million children, with Georgia experiencing particularly severe rates of 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children classified as food insecure.
With the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in history now signed into law, food and health care will soon be further out of reach for millions of Americans. Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the urgency: "Recent cuts to Federal programs are significantly impacting our services and causing an increased strain on our programs and the neighbors we serve, including children, families, and seniors."
The Food Bank has launched multiple initiatives to engage the community throughout September. Donations made through their website will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, with each dollar providing up to six meals. The organization is also encouraging supporters to "Go Orange" by wearing the color that represents hunger to draw attention to the cause.
On September 9, designated as Hunger Action Day, iconic Atlanta landmarks including 1105 West Peachtree Tower, Atlanta Zoo, Ponce City Market, and several other prominent locations will light their buildings orange in solidarity. The Food Bank is also running a 30-day social media challenge through HungerActionMonth.org to raise awareness and offer daily action suggestions.
Volunteer opportunities remain available at the Food Bank's headquarters and Community Food Center locations for those wanting to help sort and package food. The organization encourages supporters to use #HungerActionMonth and tag @FeedingAmerica and @ACFB on social media to amplify the message. As part of the national Feeding America network, the Atlanta Community Food Bank's efforts reflect a coordinated response to what officials describe as a hunger crisis requiring collective action.