Atlanta, September 27, 2025
News Summary
The Million Meal Pack event returned to Atlanta with more than 5,000 volunteers packing over one million meals to fight hunger. Organized in partnership with U.S. Hunger, the initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity in the metro area, benefiting various nonprofits. Since 2019, over 21,000 volunteers have contributed, providing over 4.1 million meals. The event’s vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by music and community spirit, emphasizing the importance and impact of such initiatives in addressing hunger.
Atlanta—The fifth annual Million Meal Pack event took place at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2023, dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the metro Atlanta area. More than 5,000 volunteers participated, including families, churches, sororities, fraternities, corporate teams, and community groups, marking a significant step towards alleviating hunger in the community.
During the event, volunteers worked in five shifts to pack over one million shelf-stable meals. This effort was organized in partnership with U.S. Hunger and aims to benefit various nonprofit organizations, including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hosea Helps, Midwest Food Bank, The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta, and Sweetwater Mission. Since the program was launched in 2019, over 21,000 volunteers have contributed, providing more than 4.1 million meals to those in need within Georgia.
It is important to note that the Million Meal Pack did not occur during the 2020-2021 period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the event’s return as a much-needed initiative. The situation in Atlanta remains critical, as current estimates show that one in seven adults and one in five children experience food insecurity.
The ambiance of the event was lively and high-energy, enhanced by smoke, music, and DJs, with DJ Mohawk playing a key role in maintaining enthusiasm among participants. Many, including registered nurse Juanita Gibbons Delaney and longtime State Farm employee Elizabeth Robinson, expressed their commitment and joy in participating in such a vital cause. King Butler, a vice president at State Farm, noted that employees and agents show eager participation each year, making the event one of their best annual gatherings.
Following the packing efforts, the meals were immediately loaded onto trucks for distribution to food banks and pantries across the region, ensuring prompt delivery to those in need. U.S. Hunger’s CEO emphasized that such events are crucial for raising awareness about food insecurity and connecting the community’s efforts with tangible impacts.
The Million Meal Pack event also aligns with the Atlanta Hawks’ broader mission to be a civic asset beyond basketball, according to the Hawks’ CEO. Although the impact of one event cannot completely solve food insecurity, it is recognized as a meaningful step toward addressing the issue in Atlanta. Furthermore, upcoming events include the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats, scheduled for September 28, where proceeds will benefit the Giving Kitchen, an organization that supports food service workers in crisis. Ticket sales for this event start at $250, further contributing to local community initiatives.
Key Performers and Highlights
Prominent figures, including former NBA player Dominique Wilkins, various Atlanta Hawks players, and several celebrities, participated in these events, reinforcing the community’s commitment to combat social issues.
Impact Statistics
- More than 5,000 volunteers participated in the 2023 Million Meal Pack event.
- Over one million meals packed in a single day by volunteers.
- Since 2019, over 4.1 million meals have been provided to those in need in Georgia.
- One in seven adults and one in five children in Atlanta face food insecurity.
FAQ
What is the Million Meal Pack event?
The fifth Million Meal Pack event took place at State Farm Arena on September 27, aimed at fighting hunger in metro Atlanta.
How many volunteers participated in the event?
More than 5,000 volunteers participated, including families, churches, sororities, fraternities, corporate teams, and community groups.
What was accomplished during the event?
Volunteers worked in five shifts to pack over one million shelf-stable meals.
Who organized the event, and who did it benefit?
The event was organized in partnership with U.S. Hunger and benefits various nonprofits including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hosea Helps, Midwest Food Bank, the Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta, and Sweetwater Mission.
What has been the cumulative impact of the Million Meal Pack events?
Since the program’s launch in 2019, over 21,000 volunteers have contributed and more than 4.1 million meals have been provided to those in need in Georgia.
Why didn’t the Million Meal Pack occur during 2020-2021?
The Million Meal Pack did not occur during the 2020-2021 period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What issue does the event aim to address?
One in seven adults and one in five children in Atlanta live with food insecurity.
What was the atmosphere like during the event?
The event featured an energetic atmosphere, boosted by smoke, music, DJs, and Hawks talent, with DJ Mohawk credited for maintaining high energy levels.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Million Meal Pack |
| Date | September 27, 2023 |
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta |
| Volunteer Participation | More than 5,000 |
| Meals Packed | Over 1 million |
| Supporting Organizations | Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hosea Helps, Midwest Food Bank, The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta, Sweetwater Mission |
| Total Meals Provided Since 2019 | Over 4.1 million |
| Food Insecurity Rates | 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 5 children in Atlanta |
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Additional Resources
- The Atlanta Voice: Volunteers Fight Hunger in Atlanta
- Hawks.com: Hawks and Volunteers Pack One Million Meals
- Atlanta News First: Thousands of Volunteers Fight Food Insecurity
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Million Meal Pack Event Coverage
- Black Enterprise: Atlanta Hawks’ Million Meal Pack Efforts
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity in the United States
- Google Search: Food Insecurity
- Google Scholar: Food Insecurity Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Google News: Atlanta Hawks Million Meal Pack
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.
