425 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.
The Suthers Center for Christian Outreach is a faith-based outreach of St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church that runs a drive-through food pantry every Saturday morning. They give free groceries to families and individuals in need, and can also help with a small utility bill payment and refer people who are homeless to shelters. In 2024 they served 4,552 neighbors and gave out over 190 tons of food.
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The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command is a faith-based charity that helps people across 13 metro-Atlanta counties who are facing a crisis. They offer emergency help with rent, utilities, and food, shelter for people who are homeless, youth programs, and holiday and disaster assistance. To get financial or rent help, you call to set up an appointment at one of their assistance centers.
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Solidarity Sandy Springs runs a free food pantry that works like a small grocery market, where neighbors can pick fresh produce, proteins, bread, prepared foods, and pantry staples. It started in March 2020 to help families during COVID and now serves about 750-850 families a week. The market is behind Trader Joe's in Sandy Springs Plaza and is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.
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Shallowford Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation in northeast Atlanta that worships on Sundays and serves its neighbors through community ministries. Its main outreach is a food pantry that gives free groceries and emergency food to DeKalb County families in need. No fee or donation is required to receive food.
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