Join Us in Supporting the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia: Help Fill the Gaps from Federal Cuts!

In Northeast Georgia, 91,000 people face food insecurity, and alarmingly, one-third of them are children. The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia aims to ensure that everyone has access to enough food every day.

With a dedicated team of 35 staff members, this nonprofit works hard to collect, store, and distribute food across 15 counties. In 2024, they managed to distribute a staggering 15.5 million pounds of food—half of which was fresh or frozen. The demand is rising; in the early months of 2025, the number of people receiving food assistance increased by 30% compared to last year.

To meet this growing need, the Food Bank opened a new $15 million facility in July. This impressive 63,000-square-foot building offers much more space for cold storage and improved logistics. It also doubled volunteer opportunities from 30 to 75. Inside, forklifts bustle as they transport essential food items to waiting trucks.

Recent legislation has cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over a million residents in Georgia. Food Bank officials estimate that around 40% of those who seek help from them also rely on SNAP. With this federal support dwindling, more families may turn to the Food Bank for assistance.

The Food Bank collaborates with 230 agencies, including local churches and recovery centers, to ensure food gets to those in need. Erin Barger, the organization’s President and CEO, shared insights about the challenges they face.

Erin highlighted that only 40% of food bank users reported receiving SNAP benefits. She explained that navigating the SNAP system can be tough, leaving many eligible families without support. In fact, Erin reported a 10-15% rise in demand for food assistance this year, a trend that is likely to continue as SNAP cuts take effect.

When asked if the community would step up to help fill the gap, Erin praised the generosity of local residents. However, she warned that charitable donations alone cannot replace the crucial help that SNAP provides.

Some food banks are considering rationing supplies, but Erin believes the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia can continue to meet the current demand. They project to mobilize over 15 million pounds of food this year, matching their record from last year.

How can the Athens community support the Food Bank’s mission? Erin encourages volunteering, becoming a monthly donor, and advocating for food security. She emphasizes that for many, access to food is not just a luxury—it’s essential for survival.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue, and actions taken today can make a difference in countless lives tomorrow. For more information on food assistance in Georgia, you can visit the Georgia Department of Human Services.

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Erin Barger,Food Bank of Northeast Georgia,SNAP