As the federal government shutdown continues, Atliens are facing the unsettling possibility that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will not be reloaded in November, placing tens of thousands of families at risk of food insecurity. In response, local organizations are mobilizing quickly to fill the gap.
Local Food Giveaways
Across metro Atlanta, a network of nonprofits and drop-in food pantries are ready to assist households. Organizations such as Hosea Helps (Atlanta & Southside), HOPE Atlanta (formerly Action Ministries), and the Salvation Army Metro Atlanta are offering free food, hot meals, senior-specific aid, utility and housing referrals, and even SNAP re-enrollment support for those whose benefits are interrupted.
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a major food giveaway to help metro Atlanta residents affected by the SNAP funding lapse. Families can drive through or walk up to receive fresh produce, canned goods, and essential groceries while supplies last.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) will also distribute free meals to families across the district. Locations and times vary, but several school campuses will serve as pick-up sites for both students and community members on the last Monday of the month.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB), serving 29 counties across north Georgia, has activated its crisis-response plan. With SNAP benefits on pause, ACFB is drawing $5 million from its reserves to purchase more than 6 million pounds of emergency food, which will be distributed over the next four weeks to partner pantries and mobile markets.
If you or someone you know might be impacted by the SNAP pause, here are some immediate steps to take:
- Visit ACFB’s website to locate emergency food pantries and mobile market sites in your county.
- Call 2-1-1 (United Way) to connect with the nearest open food distribution site or assistance program.
- Reach out to local charities listed above for immediate food access, as many are already operating expanded hours and increased inventory.
Below is a county and city breakdown of what free food resources will be in which areas. Check out below.
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton)
Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) — This organizations serves families in 29 counties and they help with emergency food pantries, mobile markets, partner churches and community drop-off sites. SNAP help is also available since they have staff who help with re-enrollment if benefits stop.
Hosea Helps (Atlanta & Southside) provides emergency food, hot meals, seniors, crisis support, and they also help with prepared meals, food boxes, seniors, single parents, urgent survival needs.
HOPE Atlanta is a resource for crisis housing + hunger relief. You may know them by their former name, Action Ministries. This organizations helps with food, meal assistance, hotel/shelter placement, family stability services.
Salvation Army Metro Atlanta helps with food, emergency assistance, utility aid, and temporary shelter.
Goodr Community Market is a easy access solution for parents and children to have access to free groceries. There are multiple locations across Atlanta.
- Goodr Community Market on Edgewood - 381 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA
- IVilliage - 2491 MLK, Jr. Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
- William Walker Recreation Center - 2405 Fairburn Rd SW, Atlanta GA
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church's food drive initiative is called The King’s Table, and is one of the largest faith-based food distribution programs in the Southeast. On Saturday, November 1, beginning at 9 a.m., New Birth The King’s Table (TKT), will provide food to more than 2,000 response to the shutdown’s growing impact. They are also launching a canned food nonperishable item collection campaign and calling on community members, corporate partners, and civic organizations to join in the effort to strengthen its capacity to meet rising needs.
Address: 6400 Woodrow Rd, Lithonia, GA
New Life Community Center provides Food, clothing, housing and counseling services.
3592 Flat Shoals Road Decatur, GA 30034
Midtown Assistance Center — 30 Porter Pl. NE, Atlanta, GA
The King’s Table at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral — 212 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA
North Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, and Cherokee counties
North Fulton Community Charities (Roswell / Alpharetta) - This organization helps with food, diapers, rent and utility support for North Fulton residents.
The Place of Forsyth has a food market, rent help, senior services, crisis support.
Meals by Grace (Forsyth & Dawson) - This organization has FREE grocery delivery for families without transportation.
Georgia Mountain Food Bank (Hall + North Georgia counties) partners with food pantries and drive-through distributions.
Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Rockdale, and Douglas counties
Real Life Center (Peachtree City / Fayette County) has a weekly food market, hygiene supplies, long-term stabilization programs.
Helping In His Name Ministries (Henry County) helps with providing groceries for Henry County residents. There is no income required, but you do have to show your ID to receive aid.
One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach (Coweta County) provides groceries, emergency housing referrals, and clothing.
Rockdale Emergency Relief (Conyers / Rockdale County) will help with food, hygiene, and emergency utility assistance.
Athens and surrounding areas
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia (Athens & Clayton) is a local food pantry, mobile food drop-offs, SNAP assistance.
Columbus and West Georgia
Feeding The Valley Food Bank (Columbus + rural West Georgia counties) partners with churches & food pantries that serve families directly
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) provides aid for pregnant women, babies, and children up to age 5. There are eligibility requirements and do have to apply.
Source: City of Atlanta, New Birth Cathedral, WSB, Fox 5