ATLANTA — Eight food banks across Georgia are receiving a combined nearly $1 million through the Georgia Farm to Food Bank Program to help provide fresh food to Georgians facing food insecurity.
The awards include $125,000 for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia in Athens is also among the eight food banks receiving funding.
“We try to spread those dollars out around the state to have the largest impact as possible, but the Atlanta Food Bank has been a tremendous partner of ours throughout the years. We’ve done a lot of work with them,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said.
Through the initiative, food is purchased from Georgia farmers and businesses and distributed to people in need through the Georgia Food Bank Network.
Harper said the funding will help food banks provide fresh produce and protein to more than 430,000 Georgians facing food insecurity.
“Especially right now when we have significant affordability concerns when it comes to food costs, so this is a big win for our state, a big win for our farmers and for the families who need that assistance,” Harper said.
Harper said the program benefits both Georgia farmers and families in need.
“It’s just a win win for our state, it’s a win for our farmers, and it’s a win for families in need,” Harper said.
He said the program is also an example of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and farmers working together to help families.
“It’s a perfect example of the Department of Agriculture, our farmers on scene and our farmers stepping up to the plate,” Harper said.