There are an infinite number of ways to give back and support your community both big and small, from gift cards to the local elementary school’s auction fundraiser to participating in a nonprofit’s food festival. Here are some local food-related organizations and other groups mentioned in this article that you can support and learn more about.
Atlanta Community Food Bank | acfb.org
Serves as a central hub to distribute donated food and grocery products to more than 700 nonprofit partner agencies in 29 north Georgia counties.
Captain Planet Foundation | captainplanetfoundation.org
Works collaboratively to engage and empower young people to be the problem solvers for the planet.
Concrete Jungle | concrete-jungle.org
Addresses food insecurity by transforming overlooked and underutilized fruit trees and land into a healthy food source for communities in need.
CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) | coreresponse.org
Global humanitarian nonprofit that delivers immediate response and long-term recovery solutions to underserved communities across the globe.
Feeding America | feedingamerica.org
Working to end hunger in the U.S. by partnering with food banks, food pantries and local food programs across the country.
Giving Kitchen | givingkitchen.org
Provides emergency assistance to foodservice workers through financial support and a network of community resources.
March of Dimes | marchofdimes.org
Aims to end preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.
Marine Reach Global | marinereachglobal.org
Nonprofit ministry organization that provides medical care, construction and repair assistance, distributing supplies and engaging in community, youth and education outreach.
Meals on Wheels Georgia | mowageorgia.org
Addresses senior hunger and isolation in Georgia, supporting community-based senior nutrition programs and enhancing ability of meal providers through advocacy, education and collaboration.
No Kid Hungry | nokidhungry.org
National campaign run by Share Our Strength to end childhood hunger.
Open Hand Atlanta | openhandatlanta.org
Delivers love, dignity and nutrition to neighbors in need by cooking and delivering meals throughout the city.
Rescuing Leftover Cuisine | rescuingleftovercuisine.org/atlanta-ga
Redistributes excess food to people experiencing food insecurity.
The Sandwich Project | thesandwichproject.org
Volunteers asseumble and donate fresh, homemade sandwiches each week for immediate consumption to meet the food scarcity needs in Metro Atlanta.
Second Helpings Atlanta | secondhelpingsatlanta.org
Food rescue organization that aims to reduce hunger and food waste in Metro Atlanta by rescuing healthy, nutritious surplus food and distributing it to those in need.
Special Olympics Georgia | specialolympicsga.org
Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share their gifts, skills and friendship with others.
United Way of the Coastal Empire | uwce.org
One of 31 United Way chapters throughout Georgia that brings people together to build stronger, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.
Wholesome Wave Georgia | wholesomewavegeorgia.org
Puts healthy food in the hands of 1.32 million food-insecure families across Georgia through partnerships with local farms, markets and community healthcare organizations.
Advice from Experts
- Choose a cause that aligns with your mission
- Pick one or two organizations to support and commit
- Come up with a budget that works for you
- Include your team in decision-making
- Create a website form for ‘asks’
- Participate in existing fundraisers
- Donate time and talent
- Work with other restaurants to increase the impact
- Be creative: one size does not fit all
