For many metro Atlanta children, the end of the school year means no more access to free or reduced-priced meals and the beginning of a summer filled with hunger. In fact, 1 in 4 children in Georgia live in food insecure households. To help address this critical need, the Dream Big Foundation today announced the return of FeedingATL on Saturday, June 10, 2017. In partnership with Action Ministries, LivePerson and Per Se Media Group, the annual event will provide free food boxes to 1,500 families throughout the city. Volunteers will assemble and deliver boxes filled with a variety of healthy food options at Action Ministries headquarters located at 2160 Hills Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318. Each box will contain enough groceries to feed a family of four for two weeks.

Atlanta’s Boulevard corridor (Old 4th Ward), Pittsburgh-Mechanicsville and Vine City are among the neighborhoods where food will be distributed. These communities struggle with a high concentration of children living in poverty and have also been identified as food deserts. Among the nation’s major metro areas, Atlanta’s poverty rates are consistently higher than the national average. 

“This event not only benefits the families receiving food but also the people serving,” said Pernell Brice, III, executive director of The Dream Big Foundation. “Through FeedingATL, powerful connections are created and everyone who serves is reminded of what really matters— making a positive impact and doing good.”

Recent data reveals startling statistics about local food insecurities. According to the latest “Hunger in America” report, 1 in 7.5 people, or an estimated 755,400 people, in metro Atlanta turn to food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families each year. This includes more than 164,000 children and more than 64,000 seniors. In addition to unemployment, underemployment continues to drive increases in demand for food in Georgia. As a result, nearly one third of food insecure households include “working poor” families that are likely ineligible for any federal food nutrition programs.  

“Last year more than 100 faithful volunteers displayed the ultimate act of service—all while braving the sweltering Atlanta heat,” added Lalohni Campbell, president of Per Se Media Group. “We encourage everyone to join us for another day of community building, fellowship and fun.”