The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced today that a $32,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation will support its programs to more effectively reach children and families facing hunger in Atlanta and north Georgia. The funding will be used to purchase food for school pantry partners that are distributing meals in June and July, a critical period when many children lose access to school-based nutrition programs.
Food insecurity affects one in eight people in the Food Bank's 29-county service area, including one in six children. The grant aims to address this gap during the summer months. "Every child should have access to the nutritious food they need to grow, learn and thrive. But during the summer, when school is not in session, many children lack access to food," said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "During these challenging months, support from the Morgan Stanley Foundation helps ensure kids in Atlanta and north Georgia can get nourishing food for their well-being today and brighter futures tomorrow."
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is one of 33 Feeding America partner food banks receiving funding from the Morgan Stanley Foundation this year, as part of its long-standing commitment to supporting children's health nationwide. Since 2009, the foundation has partnered with Feeding America to provide more than $50 million for hunger-relief programs that deliver food assistance and nutritious meals to children and families across the country. "We are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks and their critical work to reach communities facing hunger across the country," said Joan Steinberg, President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation.
This grant underscores the ongoing need for summer hunger relief programs. While federal programs like the Summer Food Service Program exist, logistical barriers often prevent families from accessing them. The Food Bank's school pantry partners provide a direct channel to distribute food in familiar locations, reducing stigma and improving access. The funding will help sustain these efforts during a period of increased demand.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 community-based nonprofit partners across 29 counties to distribute food to families, children, and seniors. In 2023, the organization distributed its one billionth meal. More information about its work can be found at ACFB.org. Feeding America, the national network of food banks, also provides resources and advocacy to address food insecurity; learn more at FeedingAmerica.org.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond the immediate grant. It highlights the critical role of corporate philanthropy in bridging gaps in public assistance programs, particularly during summer months when school-based meals are unavailable. For the Atlanta region, the funding ensures that vulnerable children and families do not face a hunger cliff when school ends. For the broader Feeding America network, it reinforces the importance of partnerships with foundations like Morgan Stanley to sustain year-round hunger relief efforts.
