Atlanta Community Food Bank Receives $32,000 Grant from Morgan Stanley Foundation for Summer Hunger Relief

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 combat child and family 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-based meal programs.

In the Food Bank's 29-county service area, one in eight people, including one in six children, face hunger. 'Every child should have access to the nutritious food they need to grow, learn and thrive,' said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 'But during the summer, when school is not in session, many children lack access to food. 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, part of a long-standing commitment to children's health nationwide. Since 2009, the foundation has provided more than $50 million for hunger-relief programs through its partnership with Feeding America. '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 underscores the persistent issue of food insecurity, which exists in every county across the United States, affecting people regardless of background or location. By directing resources to summer meal programs, the funding aims to fill a gap when children are out of school and may not have reliable access to nutritious meals. The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 community-based partners across 29 counties to distribute food to families, children, and seniors. In 2023, the organization distributed its one billionth meal. More information about its work can be found at ACFB.org.

The partnership between the Morgan Stanley Foundation and Feeding America reflects a broader effort to address childhood hunger through targeted support during vulnerable periods. The grant will enable the Food Bank to purchase food specifically for school pantry partners, ensuring that children and families have access to nourishment throughout the summer months.