Atlanta Community Food Bank Honors 2025 Hunger Champions Amid Rising Food Insecurity

The Atlanta Community Food Bank has announced its 2025 Hunger Champions, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to combating food insecurity across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The awards come at a critical time as the organization faces increasing demand for its services amid shifting funding sources and rising hunger rates throughout the state.

Five categories of Hunger Champions were honored: Food Donor of the Year, Partner Agency of the Year, Public Official of the Year, Supporters of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. The recognition underscores the essential role community partnerships play in sustaining vital food distribution programs that serve hundreds of thousands of neighbors in need.

Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the growing importance of community support. "As food insecurity continues to rise in Georgia and funding sources shift, we depend on our community more than ever to sustain vital programs for neighbors in need," Waide stated. "Our Hunger Champions embody true community leadership, generously committing their time and resources to the fight against hunger."

The Kroger Company received Food Donor of the Year honors for its longstanding partnership that began in 1999. The grocery chain currently donates nutritious food seven days a week, with last year's contributions exceeding three million pounds of food. More than 1.4 million pounds consisted of perishable items including meat, deli products, refrigerated items and fresh produce, demonstrating a commitment to providing balanced nutrition to food-insecure families.

Margie's House earned Partner Agency of the Year recognition for distributing more than 409,000 pounds of food, with over 42 percent being fresh produce. The organization also served as the largest Commodity Supplemental Food Program partner with 371 boxes allocated. Their comprehensive approach includes Saturday distributions that accommodate neighbors during more accessible times, along with additional services like a clothing closet and community garden.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper was named Public Official of the Year for his advocacy work increasing state budget allocations for the Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Program. Commissioner Harper has testified about food banks' critical work and helped expand awareness among state officials and legislators about the growing demand for hunger relief services.

The Schoen Foundation received Supporters of the Year honors for a $1.5 million investment that bolstered the Food Bank's response to food insecurity. The foundation contributed $1 million toward the Transforming the Neighbor Experience campaign, supporting expansion of the Community Food Center model and accelerating Digital Transformation initiatives. This generous contribution helped procure, store, and distribute nearly 1.5 million meals directly to neighbors in need.

Raymond Wright was celebrated as Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated service at the Stone Mountain Community Food Center. Wright helps serve more than 180 households daily and contributes to distributing over 150,000 pounds of food monthly through his reliable presence and commitment to helping neighbors, whether carrying groceries through rain or providing warm welcomes at the center's entrance.

These recognitions highlight the collaborative effort required to address food insecurity in a region where the Atlanta Community Food Bank connects more than 820,000 people with healthy food annually through more than 700 nonprofit partners. The Hunger Champions program demonstrates how diverse contributions—from corporate food donations and foundation support to volunteer service and government advocacy—create a comprehensive safety net for vulnerable communities.