Atlanta Community Food Bank Honors 2025 Hunger Champions for Exceptional Efforts Against Food Insecurity

The Atlanta Community Food Bank has announced its 2025 Hunger Champions, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to combating food insecurity in the community. The awards highlight five categories of contributors who have made substantial impacts during the previous fiscal year as food insecurity continues to rise in Georgia.

Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the importance of community support during challenging times. As food insecurity increases and funding sources shift, we depend on our community more than ever to sustain vital programs for neighbors in need, Waide stated. Our Hunger Champions embody true community leadership, generously committing their time and resources to the fight against hunger.

The Kroger Company received Food Donor of the Year honors for its consistent partnership that began in 1999. The company currently donates nutritious food seven days a week, with last year's contributions totaling more than three million pounds of food. More than 1.4 million pounds consisted of perishable items including meat, deli products, refrigerated items and produce, with regular collaboration ensuring donations meet local community needs.

Margie's House was named Partner Agency of the Year for distributing more than 409,000 pounds of food, with over 42 percent being fresh produce. The organization also served as the largest Commodity Supplemental Food Program partner with 371 boxes allocated. Their comprehensive services include a clothing closet and community garden, with Saturday distributions making food more accessible to community members.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper earned Public Official of the Year recognition for his advocacy work increasing state budget allocations for the Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank Program. Commissioner Harper has testified about food bank operations and helped expand awareness among state officials and legislators about the critical work being done to meet growing demand.

The Schoen Foundation received Supporters of the Year honors for investing $1.5 million to bolster the Food Bank's response to food insecurity. 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 initiatives. This generous contribution helped the Food Bank provide nearly 1.5 million meals directly to neighbors in need.

Raymond Wright was named Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated service at the Stone Mountain Community Food Center. Wright assists more than 180 households daily and helps distribute over 150,000 pounds of food monthly, often carrying groceries through inclement weather and providing warm welcomes to visitors. Staff depend on his knowledge, reliability and commitment to serving the community.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Southeast's largest food bank, connects more than 820,000 people with healthy food annually through more than 700 nonprofit partners. These Hunger Champions represent the essential community support needed to address food insecurity across 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia.