Atlanta, Georgia is home to around 6 million people, this thriving cityscape stands in contrast to the poignant issue of food insecurity that shadows the region. Within this context, the Atlanta Community Food Bank emerges as a lifeline for tens of thousands of residents grappling with the challenge of putting food on their tables.
Food insecurity in the region mirrors the ubiquity of the towering trees. As Kyle Waide, Executive Director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, explains, “We serve food-insecure families across North Georgia, close to 150,000 households a month.” Debra Shoaf, Chief Financial Officer, adds, “The people we serve are our next-door neighbors. It doesn’t take much to create food insecurity. The majority of the people we are serving are members of working families.”
Encompassing an impressive 345,000 square feet, the Atlanta Community Food Bank operates daily, supported by a network of 190 staff members and 1700 dedicated volunteers. Amidst this bustling operation, the food bank’s mission is clear: to address the ever-growing need for sustenance across the region. In 2022, the food bank marked two years in its current facility – a pivotal milestone for the organization.
Kyle Waide reflects on the serendipitous timing of their move into the new facility: “It just so happened that we moved into this building in March of 2020.” However, this move coincided with the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to widespread shutdowns. The resulting economic turmoil saw an unprecedented surge in demand for the food bank’s services. Despite the challenge, the newly expanded food bank proved instrumental in meeting immediate needs during the pandemic’s early days.
The food bank’s operations extend beyond its walls. Collaborations with local farmers, like Rahul Anand, became crucial to sourcing fresh produce. Rahul shares his pride in contributing to people’s meals: “Being able to feed people does create a sense of pride. It’s... It’s great.” Such partnerships empower farmers to expand their operations while supporting the food bank’s mission.
Beyond traditional grocery store standards, the food bank embraces the generosity of farmers like watermelon growers and contributors to the food bank. Imperfect produce that might not meet aesthetic grocery criteria still holds significant nutritional value. This practice reduces food waste while ensuring a wider array of fresh fruits and vegetables for those in need.
For Kyle Waide and Debra Shoaf, their vision encompasses growth and an enhanced ability to address food security in the tree-covered neighborhoods of North Georgia. With unwavering dedication and a community-driven spirit, the Atlanta Community Food Bank continues to flourish and casts rays of hope for their community.
