Atlanta food bank says demand increasing as costs rise

The latest Map the Meal Gap study from the national nonprofit Feeding America has revealed a significant increase in food insecurity across Georgia, a trend that has placed additional strain on local food banks, especially in Atlanta.

The study provides a county-by-county breakdown, highlighting the urgent needs, particularly within metro Atlanta and North Georgia, which are exacerbated during the summer months when children are no longer receiving meals at school.

Atlanta Community Food Bank president and CEO Kyle Waide said they’ve witnessed a 60% surge in the number of households they serve monthly, now reaching an average of 250,000. He said this has been exacerbated by a rising cost of food driven primarily by inflation.

In a recent interview with WABE’s “All Things Considered,” Waide stated that due to federal government cuts, the organization will need to raise $15 million — roughly equivalent to five weeks’ worth of food — to distribute this year.

According to ACFB, over 57% of Georgians don’t meet the criteria for federal assistance, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).