Engaged in a five-year effort to feed the homeless living on the edge in the inner city of Atlanta, Feeding The Homeless Project is carried on by volunteers with only one purpose -- to feed hungry people on Atlanta’s streets.
Last Saturday, at an early 6:45 a.m., 15 volunteers gathered on the corner of Pryor and Mitchell Street and set up a mobile kitchen to feed the homeless of Atlanta. Upon arrival, the parking lot had at least 10 people, and the line quickly grew to 200 people who awaited a fresh meal. “We come out twice a month to areas in the city where there are people in need and serve them a hot breakfast,” said organizer Hugh Pafford. “Even if it’s only for an hour, these men and women are treated with dignity, respect and they get a chance to feel normal.”
Volunteers prepared and served grits, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and eggs with fresh coffee and juice to over 225 people—a record breaking number since the effort started in 2006. Along with various locations in downtown Atlanta, the mobile kitchen has fed people in The Bluff, Jefferson Station and more.
Whether it is time, food donations, or financial support, the opportunity to volunteer is always available. Moreso, the effort’s goal is to expand its mission by adding two additional grills so the group can serve more than one area on a Saturday morning. “We want to reach out to more areas and ultimately involve more volunteers to give back in this simple way,” said Board of Directors member Tim Farley, whose cheese grits have become all the rage on the street. “We aren’t trying to solve the hunger problem, but we just want bring some warmth and comfort to people who need it most.”
To volunteer with Feeding The Homeless Project, e-mail Tim Farley at tfarley@carterusa.com
In other news: RA Sushi of Atlanta raised $9,800 toward the chain's seventh annual "Nicky's Week" that was held between May 29- June 24 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Atlanta's total added to the total of $218,825 raised for the hospital that pioneers in research for pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
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