Atlanta Community Food Bank Honors 2025 Hunger Champions for Fighting Food Insecurity

The Atlanta Community Food Bank, one of the nation's largest food banks, recently announced their 2025 Hunger Champions, recognizing people and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fighting hunger in the community. The Food Bank honors five categories: 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 winners were celebrated at a luncheon hosted at the Atlanta Community Food Bank headquarters.

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, said Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Our Hunger Champions embody true community leadership, generously committing their time and resources to the fight against hunger. These awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to advance our mission and expand access to food across the region.

The Kroger Company earned Food Donor of the Year honors for their sustained partnership that began in 1999 and has grown significantly over time. They currently donate nutritious food seven days a week, with last year's contributions providing more than three million pounds of food, including more than 1.4 million pounds of perishable foods such as meat, deli items, refrigerated items and produce. Their team's regular collaboration with the Food Bank ensures that donations effectively meet local community needs.

Margie's House received Partner Agency of the Year recognition for distributing more than 409,000 pounds of food in the past year, with more than 42 percent being fresh produce. The nonprofit organization also served as the largest Commodity Supplemental Food Program partner with an allotment of 371 boxes. Their comprehensive services include a clothing closet and community garden, with Saturday distributions making food more accessible to neighbors during convenient times.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper was named Public Official of the Year for his continuous support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and all eight Georgia food banks through efforts to increase state budget allocations for the Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Program. Commissioner Harper has testified about food bank operations and how this program helps organizations meet high demand while expanding awareness among state officials and legislators.

The Schoen Foundation received Supporters of the Year honors for their generous $1.5 million investment to bolster the Food Bank's response to food insecurity across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The foundation contributed $1 million toward the Transforming the Neighbor Experience campaign to support expansion of the Community Food Center model and accelerate Digital Transformation at the Food Bank. Their contribution also 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 vital contributions at the Stone Mountain Community Food Center, where he helps serve more than 180 households daily and distributes over 150,000 pounds of food monthly. Staff rely on his knowledge, dependability, and commitment whether he's carrying groceries through rain or warmly welcoming neighbors at the center's door.

We are truly honored and fortunate to celebrate these individuals and teams who contribute to our cause and strengthen us each and every day with their generous support, continued Waide. The Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Southeast's largest food bank, connects more than 820,000 people with healthy and nutritious food annually through more than 700 nonprofit partners. For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, visit https://www.acfb.org.