Atlanta, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is experiencing a surge in demand for food assistance due to federal workers facing paycheck disruptions from a government shutdown. With over 500,000 pounds of food unloaded daily, and a significant portion sourced from the federal government, concerns grow over dwindling supplies if the shutdown continues. Federal worker Tequila Young shares her struggles relying on food assistance for her family. ACFB President Kyle Waide warns of increasing demand that may affect not only federal employees but also families reliant on federal programs.
Atlanta is currently facing increased demand for food assistance as many federal workers in the area are experiencing disruptions to their paychecks due to a government shutdown. The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) is feeling the impact, as they serve thousands of families in need of support during these challenging times.
Currently, the ACFB unloads over 500,000 pounds of food daily at their warehouse. Among this food inventory, approximately 75,000 pounds comes directly from the federal government. With the potential for a prolonged shutdown, there is growing concern that essential food supplies could dwindle, leaving many in the community without the necessary resources for sustenance.
One federal worker, Tequila Young, has been relying on the ACFB grocery for assistance every two weeks for herself and her 8-year-old son. Young has voiced her frustration regarding the current situation, emphasizing the need for government support and the exhaustion from dwindling food availability.
According to Kyle Waide, President and CEO of ACFB, the food bank’s inventory can sustain current demand for food assistance if the government shutdown lasts less than a few weeks. However, an extended shutdown lasting over 30 days could lead to a significant increase in the demand for food assistance, which would not only affect federal employees but also families reliant on SNAP and other federal programs.
Evaluation of ACFB’s current inventory reveals that about 15% consists of USDA commodities such as frozen protein, canned goods, vegetables, and grains that are sourced from the federal government. Historical patterns indicate that the ACFB typically experiences increased demand for its services during government shutdowns. In fact, they are currently experiencing a 70% increase in individuals served compared to three years ago.
Waide has stated that the organization must approach inventory distribution thoughtfully to ensure that federal workers can access the food assistance they require. ACFB is considering implementing targeted distributions specifically for federal workers in response to the crisis, similar to initiatives from previous government shutdowns.
Financial support remains critical, as each dollar donated to ACFB can supply up to three meals for families in need. In light of this ongoing crisis, ACFB has recently opened a new community food center in Adamsville to enhance food access for those struggling during the shutdown.
Community reliance on food assistance programs is significant, with many individuals expressing concern about how a lengthy shutdown might further affect their ability to feed their families. Waide has reiterated that a shutdown lasting longer than a few days could severely compromise ACFB’s ability to meet the rising demand for food assistance among the affected populations.
FAQ
What is the current situation with the Atlanta Community Food Bank?
Atlanta is currently facing increased demand for food assistance as many federal workers in the area are experiencing disruptions to their paychecks due to a government shutdown.
How much food does the Atlanta Community Food Bank unload daily?
The ACFB unloads over 500,000 pounds of food daily at their warehouse.
How much of ACFB’s food inventory comes from the federal government?
Approximately 75,000 pounds comes directly from the federal government.
How is ACFB planning to address the increased demand?
ACFB is considering implementing targeted distributions specifically for federal workers in response to the crisis.
Key Features of ACFB Operations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily food unloading | 500,000 pounds |
| Food from federal government | 75,000 pounds |
| Impact of shutdown | Increased demand after 30 days of shutdown |
| USDA commodities percentage | 15% |
| Increase in individuals served | 70% since three years ago |
| Meals provided per dollar | three meals |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- 11Alive
- CBS News
- WSB TV
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Food Bank
- Google Search: Government Shutdown Impact on Food Banks
- Google Scholar: Food Assistance Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Bank
- Google News: Atlanta Community Food Bank
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
