Join the Cause: How You Can Make a Difference for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

As the president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, one of my favorite moments is our Martin Luther King Jr. Day volunteer event. This year, we honored Dr. King’s powerful message from his speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” It’s a reminder of our duty to help others, asking not, “What will happen to me if I help?” but rather, “What happens to my neighbor if I don’t?”

Right now, we need more Good Samaritans. Food insecurity can be hidden or visible, but it weighs heavily on those experiencing it. At the Food Bank, we approach every decision with values of compassion, dignity, and belonging, believing that every person we serve has worth.

One neighbor shared, “I work six days a week and take care of my mom who lives with me. No matter how hard I try, I can barely keep my head above water. Thank you for being so nice and not making people feel embarrassed.” Another simply stated, “If it wasn’t for y’all, I wouldn’t eat.” These comments show the resilience of our community and highlight a problem we refuse to accept: the ongoing hunger in a land of plenty.

In 2024, we distributed over 5.3 million pounds of food in Athens-Clarke County, translating to nearly 4.5 million meals. This food reached children, families, seniors, and working adults through partnerships with schools, churches, and community organizations. Already in 2025, we’ve given out 3 million pounds of food, a clear sign of the need and our community’s strength.

Despite our efforts, the situation is dire. Recent data from the Map the Meal Gap study shows that 91,600 individuals in our region experience hunger—about one in seven people, one in six children, and one in twelve seniors. These statistics remind us that food insecurity impacts our friends, family, and neighbors throughout our communities.

Many ask how federal budget changes affect us. We’ve seen instances where federal food shipments were canceled unexpectedly. To cope, we turned to an emergency food reserve fund, showcasing the resilience of community support and philanthropy in times of need.

Now is the time to act on the lessons Dr. King championed. Helping one another is vital—it truly affects lives. When you pack food for a neighbor or break bread with someone in need, you’re building a world steeped in compassion and connection. Each act of kindness counts, and together, we can make a significant difference.

To learn more, visit foodbanknega.org. Your support can transform hope into action, helping us continue our mission to provide nourishing food to every neighbor in need.

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Erin Barger,Food Bank of Northeast Georgia