434 organizations
How food help works in Atlanta
Most free food in Atlanta flows through the Atlanta Community Food Bank to hundreds of neighborhood pantries — church basements, community centers, schools. Each pantry sets its own days and hours, so always call before you go. Some ask for an ID or a piece of mail with your address; many ask for nothing at all.
If you need to eat today, look for hot-meal programs ("community kitchens") — downtown has several that serve daily, no questions asked. If money for groceries is the ongoing problem, apply for SNAP (food stamps) through Georgia Gateway; pantries can help you apply.
What to expect when you call: they'll tell you distribution days, what to bring, and whether you can come this week. If a pantry's shelf is bare, ask them who else is stocked — pantry workers always know.
Early Head Start offers free child development and family support for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and their families. They provide daytime childcare, nutrition and parenting education, health support, and help finding other services.
Harris Chiles2 services
DEAM gives out emergency food and basic toiletries to people who qualify in the Decatur area. Depending on what's in stock, you can usually get bags of groceries and supplies to help cover a few days.
1 service
The DeKalb Access and Resource Center runs a weekly food pantry for neighbors who need it. They give out food to help cover your basic nutrition.
1 service
The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex is a center for independent adults 55 and older. They offer meals, transportation, fitness and exercise, classes, computer training, and other support to help you stay active and connected.
3 services
