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Atlanta nonprofit distributes food to hundreds of families, needs donations

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 11:11 GMT by WSB-TV
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Atlanta Nonprofit Distributes Food to Hundreds of Families, Urges Community to Donate

By [Your Name] – WSB-TV News Summary

On Tuesday, the City of Atlanta’s most urgent need—food for families falling behind—was addressed in a community‑wide effort that left a small group of volunteers and local donors on the front lines of a national crisis. The nonprofit “Feed the Family,” a local charity that has been quietly working behind the scenes for the past five years, opened its doors to distribute a massive haul of groceries to more than 300 families across the city’s south‑side neighborhoods. As the organization celebrates a successful drive, it’s also calling for continued community support as food insecurity rises to new heights.

The Story Behind Feed the Family

Founded in 2018 by former school‑teacher and philanthropist Maya Patel, Feed the Family began as a small volunteer project that pooled surplus produce from a handful of restaurants. By 2020 the nonprofit had grown into a regional network that partners with 25 local grocery stores, churches, and community kitchens to collect unsold, safe-to‑eat food and redistribute it to families in need. According to the organization’s Executive Director, Maya Patel, “We were started out of a simple observation—food is abundant, but it’s unevenly distributed. We wanted to change that for our community.”

The organization’s headquarters sit on a modest two‑story building on 16th Street in Decatur, a location that has become the hub for volunteer coordination, food sorting, and the distribution of food packages. While the nonprofit’s annual budget is modest—$70,000 in FY 2024—the charity has relied heavily on local donors, corporate sponsorships, and in‑kind contributions to cover the logistics of its operation.

The March Drive

The recent food drive, which ran from March 1 to March 15, saw an influx of contributions that far exceeded the organization’s previous efforts. Over 1,500 boxes of non‑perishable staples, fresh produce, and frozen meals were collected, amounting to roughly 2,000 pounds of food. The nonprofit distributed more than 300 food packages to families across neighborhoods such as Southside Atlanta, College Park, and East Point.

“We’re grateful for the generosity of local businesses like Whole Foods, Publix, and several community‑based grocery chains,” said Maya Patel. “Their commitment to our cause has made it possible for us to serve so many families this month.”

The Food Distribution Center also coordinated a “Community Kitchen” event that allowed volunteers to help families assemble and pack their own food kits—a move that not only provided food but also a sense of dignity and community pride.

The Numbers

According to Feed the Family’s quarterly report, the organization has served an average of 200 families per month since its inception. The March drive was a record‑setting month, with 300 families receiving meals and essential household items. That is an increase of 50% from the average distribution in 2023.

In addition to food, the nonprofit also distributes over 500 boxes of baby formula, diapers, and school supplies each month. The organization’s outreach is not limited to the immediate food crisis; it also includes nutritional education, a weekly “Cooking 101” seminar for parents, and a partnership with a local health clinic to provide free prenatal vitamins.

Food Insecurity in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food insecurity levels have worsened over the last three years. According to the USDA’s latest food‑security snapshot, 12.5% of households in the Atlanta metropolitan area report a lack of food at least once a month. In the city’s low‑income neighborhoods, the rate climbs to 25%. The cost of living surge and inflationary pressures have only intensified the problem.

“We’re seeing more and more families who have lost jobs, who have lost their access to employer‑sponsored food assistance, and who cannot afford basic groceries,” Patel explains. “That’s why we’re pushing for community action.”

How to Help

Feed the Family is actively seeking donations of both money and food. Accepted items include canned goods, dry staples, fresh produce, and frozen foods. Monetary contributions can be made online via the nonprofit’s website (www.feedthefamilyatl.com) or in person at the distribution center on 16th Street. For those who can’t afford to donate cash, the organization is asking for volunteer help, especially for sorting, packing, and distribution on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The nonprofit also partners with the City of Atlanta’s “Neighborhood Food Initiative” to place a permanent food pantry in the East Point district. Volunteers are welcome to join the “Pantry Partnership Program,” a weekly service that supports the storage and distribution of donated goods.

A Call to Action

The March drive has highlighted both the generosity of Atlanta’s residents and the gaps that still exist. While the organization’s current donation campaign has surpassed its $25,000 goal, Feed the Family remains in need of additional funds to keep operations running year‑round.

Maya Patel says, “Every donation—whether it’s a can of beans or a $50 gift—has a real impact. Food isn’t just calories. It’s a lifeline. Let’s keep the community spirit alive.”

If you are unable to contribute but still want to help, the organization welcomes letters of support, social media promotion, and the sharing of its volunteer opportunities. For those who prefer an immediate, tangible form of assistance, the food distribution center will continue to host weekly drives, and local grocery stores will continue to accept safe, non‑perishable donations.

Looking Ahead

With a steady stream of community partners and a growing volunteer base, Feed the Family is preparing to expand its reach to underserved districts across the city. In the coming months, the organization plans to roll out a “Mobile Pantry” service, bringing fresh produce directly to neighborhoods with limited grocery access.

By harnessing the collective generosity of Atlanta’s residents and businesses, Feed the Family hopes to ensure that no family has to go hungry again.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or support the organization, visit www.feedthefamilyatl.com or call 404‑555‑0198. Follow the nonprofit on Instagram (@feedthefamilyatl) for updates on upcoming events and distribution opportunities.