The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced today that it has received a $32,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to support its efforts to reach children and families facing hunger in Atlanta and north Georgia. The funding will be used to purchase food for school pantry partners distributing meals in June and July, a critical period when many children lose access to school meals.
Food insecurity affects one in eight people in the Food Bank's 29-county service area, including one in six children. 'Every child should have access to the nutritious food they need to grow, learn and thrive. But during the summer, when school is not in session, many children lack access to food,' said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 'During these challenging months, support from the Morgan Stanley Foundation helps ensure kids in Atlanta and north Georgia can get nourishing food for their well-being today and brighter futures tomorrow.'
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is one of 33 Feeding America partner food banks receiving funding from the Morgan Stanley Foundation this year. Since 2009, the foundation has partnered with Feeding America to provide more than $50 million for hunger-relief programs nationwide. 'We are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks and their critical work to reach communities facing hunger across the country,' said Joan Steinberg, President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation.
The grant comes at a time when food banks across the nation are seeing increased demand due to rising food prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits. The Atlanta Community Food Bank, which distributed its one billionth meal in 2023, works with more than 700 community-based partners in 29 counties to provide food to families, children, and seniors. For more information about the organization's work, visit ACFB.org. To learn more about Feeding America's nationwide efforts, visit FeedingAmerica.org.
The Morgan Stanley Foundation's support highlights the ongoing need for hunger relief programs, especially during the summer when children are out of school. Without such assistance, many families would struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their children, potentially impacting their health and development. The grant ensures that the Atlanta Community Food Bank can continue its mission of ending hunger with the food, people, and big ideas needed to ensure neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives.
