Atlanta mayor prepares emergency response as possible SNAP funding lapse looms
Mayor Andre Dickens announced a new emergency effort Thursday to help Atlanta residents who may soon face food insecurity if federal food benefits are disrupted.
The mayor was joined by Atlanta Community Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Wade, Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe-Houston, and Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson for the announcement at noon at the Atlanta Community Food Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
City officials say the initiative aims to assist residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides vital food support to thousands of Atlantans, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, children, and working families.
"The city is mobilizing what I call 'the group project' as always and using every available resource - that's public resources, private and nonprofit resources - to ensure that families have access to food water and essential services," Dickens said. "No residents, none, should go hungry or wonder how they'll figure their family because of political gridlock."
The announcement comes as concerns grow over a potential lapse in federal SNAP funding that could leave many without access to essential food assistance.
In response to the concerns, Dickens announced that he has signed administrative orders that will suspend the city from disconnecting water service from its residents to make sure households have access to clean water. The mayor also announced that the city would pause all evictions or terminations at its city-owned, supported, or funded housing until Jan. 31, 2026 or the end of the government shutdown.
Dickens called on residents to support each other during this time by donating to food banks, churches, and other organizations.
For residents who are looking for relief, the city has partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr Inc., and Hosea Helps.
Atlanta Community Food Bank activates $5 million Crisis Response Plan
The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced Thursday that it is activating a Crisis Response Plan to help families, seniors, and children across metro Atlanta and north Georgia who face food insecurity due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Food Bank said the shutdown comes at a time when demand for food assistance is already unusually high, serving 70% more people each month than it did just three and a half years ago. Thousands of furloughed federal workers and contractors, combined with the expected lapse of SNAP benefits for roughly 750,000 people in November, have created an increased need.
"To ensure that the children, families, and seniors in our communities continue to have access to nutritious food and vital resources, immediate action is critical," said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
To meet the anticipated demand, the Food Bank is drawing $5 million from its reserves to purchase more than 6 million pounds of emergency food over the next four weeks. The move will increase the Food Bank's distribution volume by nearly 85% during this period, supplementing its inventory with an additional 300,000 pounds of food daily.
The majority of the increased supply will be provided to the Food Bank's 700 partners and its four Community Food Centers. A portion will also support targeted distributions for federal workers or areas where partners cannot respond quickly enough.
Mayor Andre Dickens praised the Food Bank's efforts, saying, "In challenging times like these, we witness the true spirit of connection and compassion that defines Atlanta's community leaders and strengthens our city."
Waide noted that the organization is fully prepared to respond to the crisis while remaining hopeful that the government situation improves.
"We are fully equipped with a comprehensive strategy to ensure steadfast continued support for our neighbors during this period of uncertainty," he said.
Community members can help by donating at www.acfb.org/shutdown.