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Publix, Atlanta Community Food Bank partner up for Northwest Atlanta food distribution

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/17 .. -up-for-northwest-atlanta-food-distribution.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 2:21 GMT by WSB-TV
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Publix Partners with Atlanta Community Food Bank to Expand Food Distribution in Northwest Atlanta

On Thursday, WSB-TV’s local news team reported on a new partnership that promises to bring much-needed grocery supplies to families across northwest Atlanta. Publix, the region’s largest grocery chain, has teamed up with the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and a local distribution partner to set up a dedicated food‑distribution hub. The initiative, announced on the WSB-TV website, is designed to streamline the delivery of fresh produce, shelf‑stable items, and other staples to some of the city’s most food‑insecure neighborhoods.

The Partnership at a Glance

The agreement, as outlined by the WSB-TV article, brings together three key players:

1. Publix – A grocery chain with deep roots in the Southeast, Publix has a long history of supporting food‑bank programs nationwide. In this collaboration, the retailer will provide donated food, financial support, and logistical assistance.

2. Atlanta Community Food Bank – The largest food‑bank network in the state, the ACFB has been a staple of the region’s hunger‑relief efforts for over three decades. The partnership leverages the bank’s existing network of volunteers, partners, and community outreach programs.

3. Northwest Atlanta Food Distribution Center (NAFDC) – A newly established hub that will serve as the physical point of contact for food pickup and distribution. Located in a commercial property that Publix recently converted for community use, the center will operate on a regular schedule, accepting donations and serving families directly.

What the Initiative Means for Residents

According to the article, the new hub will be able to serve up to 5,000 families per month—a significant increase over the roughly 3,000 families served by the ACFB’s current distribution sites. The goal is to reduce the time families spend traveling to a single drop‑off location and to increase the availability of fresh produce, which is often harder to come by in low‑income neighborhoods.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer a more accessible, reliable source of food for families in northwest Atlanta,” said a spokesperson for the ACFB. “With Publix’s support, we’re not only able to increase the volume of food we can distribute but also improve the quality of what we’re offering.”

The distribution hub will focus on delivering “food that meets the nutritional needs of entire families,” the ACFB representative added. The partnership will ensure that each distribution event includes a range of items such as fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and dairy products—particularly those that are fresh and of high quality.

Publix’s Commitment to the Community

Publix has long invested in the communities where it operates. This partnership is a part of the company’s broader “Publix Gives” initiative, which includes charitable donations, volunteer programs, and strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The WSB-TV piece highlighted that Publix has donated over $1 million in food to local food banks in the last five years alone. Additionally, the chain’s “Community Fund” regularly finances food‑bank operations and community outreach programs.

“The partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank demonstrates Publix’s continued commitment to addressing food insecurity in our neighborhoods,” said a Publix executive quoted in the article. “We believe that by working hand‑in‑hand with local partners, we can make a real difference in the lives of families who are struggling to put food on the table.”

How the Distribution Hub Will Operate

The WSB-TV article went into detail about the practical aspects of the new hub. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Location and Hours: The hub sits on the south side of the historic Buckhead shopping center, with a dedicated parking lot for donation drop‑offs. It will open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Drop‑Off and Pick‑Up Process: Families can drop off items at the center and receive a voucher for a free grocery bundle that can be used at participating local retailers, including Publix itself. The center’s volunteer staff will also assist families in creating a personalized grocery list based on their needs.

• Transportation and Logistics: The partnership includes a “food‑truck” program that will deliver large bulk shipments from Publix stores directly to the distribution hub, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce and staples. The ACFB’s volunteers will manage the sorting and packaging of food for final distribution.

• Volunteer Opportunities: The article highlighted that volunteers are a critical part of the operation, with over 200 local volunteers expected to sign up to help with sorting, packing, and delivery. Publix will offer volunteer training and small stipends for those who commit to regular shifts.

Broader Implications for Food Insecurity in Atlanta

Food insecurity in Atlanta is a well‑documented issue. According to the latest USDA data, nearly 14% of households in the Atlanta metro area lack reliable access to nutritious food. This partnership aims to address that gap by improving food accessibility and quality.

The article referenced a 2023 study conducted by the Georgia Department of Public Health that found that families who have access to fresh produce are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. By prioritizing fresh produce in its distribution strategy, the Publix–ACFB initiative may help to mitigate those health disparities.

In addition, the partnership has been framed as a model for how private corporations can work with community nonprofits to create lasting change. By combining Publix’s logistical strength, the ACFB’s community reach, and the new hub’s strategic location, the partnership offers a blueprint that other cities could replicate.

Additional Resources

While the WSB-TV article itself provides a comprehensive overview, it includes links to the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s website for readers who want more information. The page offers:

• Detailed instructions on how to become a volunteer or donor
• A list of upcoming distribution events
• Contact information for the ACFB’s regional offices

The article also links to Publix’s corporate philanthropy page, which outlines the company’s “Food for the Future” initiative—an umbrella program that includes many local food‑bank collaborations across the South.

Final Thoughts

The collaboration between Publix, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and the Northwest Atlanta Food Distribution Center represents a powerful example of community partnership. By leveraging the strengths of both a corporate partner and a local nonprofit, the initiative will not only increase the volume of food available to families but also ensure that those families have access to healthier, more varied options.

For the residents of northwest Atlanta, this partnership means less time traveling to a single drop‑off location and more time feeding their families with nutritious food. For Publix, it reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of community support, demonstrating how business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. And for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, it provides a vital boost in both resources and reach—essential for tackling food insecurity in an ever‑changing city.