Food banks face rising needs during coronavirus pandemic
Food banks in the Atlanta area are supporting more people than ever as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
“Our food distribution volume has increased by more than 30% to meet this increased demand — this means providing nearly 450,000 additional pounds of food each week beyond our normal volume,” said Kyle Waide, president and CEO of Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Food banks all over the area are feeling that increased need, like the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, which serves more than 15 counties and has seen demand increase by about 25%.
“For many of the people we serve, we are their primary source of food,” said Chuck Toney, the executive director of Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. “We believe there is no more fundamentally human act than feeding someone who is hungry.”
Who’s helping
The Atlanta Community Food Bank
Services: Distribution of food to organizations that run food pantries, plus their benefits outreach program helps individuals and families access services and benefits for which they qualify.
Region served: 29 counties throughout metro Atlanta and North Georgia
Greatest need: Monetary donations
How to help: Support financially by going to their website, www.acfb.org and clicking the donate button.
How to get help:
- Use the COVID-19 help map at www.acfb.org/covid-19-help-map to find food banks, pantries and other sources of help in your area.
- Use their "Text for Help" SMS platform by texting "FINDFOOD" or "COMIDA" to 1-888-976-2232 for help locating the nearest food pantries
- Call 678-553-5917 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for help applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Services: Mobile food pantries and partner food distributions.
Region served: Clarke, Oconee, Madison, Elbert, Hart, Franklin, Barrow, Jackson, Banks, Habersham, Stephens, Rabun, Towns and White counties.
Greatest need: Monetary donations and food donations of shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, canned goods and granola bars.
How to help: Go to foodbanknega.org and click on the donate button.
How to get help: There are several mobile food pantries throughout north Georgia including Athens, Winder, Bogart, Cleveland and more. Go to foodbanknega.org/network/ for locations.
If you are involved in or know of an organization working to bring relief to the Atlanta community during the coronavirus pandemic or you are with an organization with supplies that you don’t know where to donate, please email us at Shannon.n.Dominy@gmail.com.
