Matching donation assists Atlanta food bank’s goal to distribute 10M meals

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is working to meet its goal of distributing 10 million meals across its service area by Dec. 31.

To help push the nonprofit over the finish line, a donor has pledged a $100,000 matching donation, meaning every financial gift made through the end of the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to the full amount of the pledge.

“This $100,000 match propels us toward that goal and ensures even more of our neighbors have reliable access to nutritious food,” said Kyle Waide, Atlanta Community Food Bank president and CEO. “Every meal matters this month, and every dollar goes even further.”

Because of the dollar-for-dollar match, each donated dollar can provide up to six meals, according to the nonprofit, doubling the impact of contributions.

The food bank says the need for food is 70 percent higher than three years ago across its 29-county service area. The demand is driven largely by higher retail prices and household costs, as well as by the recent government shutdown, which furloughed workers and paused SNAP benefits, the nonprofit reports.

“Families, seniors, and working individuals across Atlanta continue to turn to the food bank and its network of partner agencies for support,” a statement said. “For many, it’s the first time they’ve needed help.”

Across metro Atlanta, the food bank works with more than 700 nonprofit food distribution partners, including food pantries, shelters, and community organizations.

Last August, the food bank opened a new pantry location in Adamsville, an area of high food insecurity. The pantry has been serving close to 1,000 households per week.