Atlanta Community Food Bank Activates $5 Million Crisis Response Plan Amid Government Shutdown

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced today that it is activating a Crisis Response Plan to help sustain support for partner agencies and food-insecure neighbors across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

"It is more critical than ever that we take immediate action to ensure that the children, families, and seniors in our communities continue to have access to nutritious food and vital resources."

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This decision is in response to the ongoing shutdown of the federal government, which comes at a time when the Food Bank is already responding to an extraordinary level of demand for food assistance. The Food Bank is currently serving 70% more people each month than it was just three and a half years ago. Now, on top of that, thousands of federal workers and contractors are furloughed or working without pay. Even more concerning, roughly 750,000 people in our community will not receive SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown continues.

Unless Congress acts to reopen the government or an alternative funding mechanism is identified, SNAP benefit payments are expected to lapse beginning November 5, 2025. This will result in the loss of $130 million in critical resources that families across metro Atlanta and north Georgia count on to put food on their tables.

To bridge this gap and respond to the anticipated surge in need, the Food Bank is drawing $5 million from its reserves to purchase more than 6 million pounds of emergency food for distribution over the next four weeks. This will increase the Food Bank’s distribution volume by nearly 85% during this period--supplementing its inventory with an additional 300,000 pounds of food daily.

“These are incredibly unstable and uncertain times that leave our most vulnerable neighbors at risk,” said Kyle Waide, President and CEO for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “It is more critical than ever that we take immediate action to ensure that the children, families, and seniors in our communities continue to have access to nutritious food and vital resources.”

The majority of the increased volume will be made available to the Food Bank’s 700 partners and its four Community Food Centers. A portion of the additional food supply will be used to support targeted Food Bank-facilitated distributions for groups of federal workers, or areas where partners are unable to pivot as quickly to support increased demand.

“The City of Atlanta commends the Atlanta Community Food Bank and our partners for their leadership to support our most vulnerable residents during the government shutdown,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “In challenging times like these, we witness the true spirit of connection, and compassion that defines Atlanta’s community leaders and strengthens our city.”

“Our team is preparing to take the necessary steps to meet this potential crisis head-on,” Waide added. “While we remain hopeful that the situation will improve, we are fully equipped with a comprehensive strategy to ensure steadfast continued support for our neighbors during this period of uncertainty.”

The community’s help is also vital to those who are struggling. To make a donation, visit www.acfb.org/shutdown. For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, including other ways to help, visit https://www.acfb.org or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

About Atlanta Community Food Bank

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people, and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day. Through more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners in 29 counties, we help thousands of families, children, and seniors get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across metro Atlanta and north Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. In 2023, the Atlanta Community Food Bank distributed its one billionth meal. Join us at ACFB.org.