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.
Turner Chapel AME is a church in the community that offers free counseling. They can help with mental health, anger management, substance abuse, and family or personal struggles, for adults, teens, and seniors.
2 services
The National School Lunch Program helps kids and teens get healthy meals at school. It serves students at public and many private schools, including foster youth and young people who don't have a stable home.
1 service
Urban Recipe runs food co-ops for families and individuals with low incomes who need help getting enough to eat. You become a member of a co-op that meets regularly to share groceries and support.
Historic Westin Heights/Bankhead1 service
Variety – The Children's Charity runs the Future Program, which offers activities, education, and skill-building to help kids and teens feel included and confident. They welcome children with disabilities, limited mobility, chronic illness, and families who are low-income.
3 services
