A City Rallies to Fight Hunger
Hunger hits hard in Georgia. One in seven children in the state faces food insecurity. To make matters worse, many residents in low-income areas lack access to grocery stores and supermarkets.
“There are times I have to choose either buying food or paying a bill. And it’s hard. It’s really hard,” Antonio, an Atlanta dad, told us.
Antonio is not alone. Parents and caregivers are struggling this summer to provide enough food for their children. More than 30 million children qualify for the free and reduced-meal program at school. But during summer break, many families have to make up the difference by providing breakfast and lunch that would have otherwise been offered at school. It can bust an already tight budget!
“When the children are not in school, that is more difficult,” Serena, a mom to growing boys, said. The months of June and July are the most challenging. She already struggles to make ends meet, but her boys seem to have an endless appetite during the summer.
To tackle the issue in Georgia, Feed the Children partnered with Atlanta-based business Americold and the Atlanta mayor’s office. Because of the partnership and with the help of generous donors like you, 1,600 families got much-needed food and household essentials like hygiene products and cleaning supplies at four food distribution events. Children also received books to keep their minds active during the summer.
The distributions show the impact of the work to fight hunger – and it all starts with your donation. Dr. Lisa Herring, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, said helping children takes unity on many levels.
“The reality is we can’t do it alone. Today is a testament of partners coming together. It’s a joint investment. It’s not just Feed the Children, but it’s also the city of Atlanta. It’s Atlanta Public Schools and other entities that recognize the importance of what happens when we bring our collective resources together. We change lives. That’s not only powerful. It’s necessary.”
Leaders at Americold, a company that owns and operates 250 temperature-controlled warehouses around the world, saw the need in their own backyard and jumped into action to help. Many employees volunteered to pass out boxes of food and essentials.
“Our partnership with Feed the Children is incredibly meaningful because it is one way that we show our commitment to fighting hunger. We’re especially proud of these events in Atlanta because our company headquarters are here,” said George Chappelle, Americold CEO.
Austin Wagner, Mayor Andre Dickens’ Deputy Chief of Staff, stressed the impact the food distribution events will have on their city.
“Getting food in their hands, getting hygiene in the hands of people who need it is just so important to show that as a community, we’re going to come together and make sure everyone has the resources they need,” he said.
For parents like Antonio, these events were like a lifeline.
“It’s really important for me to have food for my kids. And getting help really, really warms my heart. I really thank you guys for helping me out here,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to get back on our feet.”
Giving parents like Antonio the chance to get back on their feet is only possible because of the partnership between donors like you and businesses like Americold. Your gifts are more than just food on the table for their children. It is the opportunity that so many families need, and we are thankful that YOU made this lifeline possible.
