If you or someone you know relies on SNAP benefits to feed themselves or their families, OR if you’d like to donate food in this time of crisis, we’ve compiled all the information you need. Keep scrolling to see where to either donate food or receive food, even if this is your first time asking for help.
First, what’s going on with SNAP benefits, exactly?
SNAP benefits will pause beginning November 1st, 2025, due to insufficient funds to the USDA, as a result of the Government Shutdown.
The Georgia Department of Human Services says,
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently notified the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) that there is insufficient funding to cover November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown continues. At this time, SNAP recipients can use existing funds on their EBT cards, but based on current USDA guidance, cards will not work beginning November 1, 2025.
What are SNAP Benefits?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, which are also commonly known as food stamps, provide any eligible citizen monthly funds to buy groceries.
To learn more or apply for SNAP benefits, you can head to Georgia’s official state website, here.
SNAP benefits help more than 1.6 million Georgia residents. Nearly 1 in 8 people are food-insecure in Georgia, and nearly 1 out of every 6 children will go to bed hungry tonight.
Where can I receive food if my SNAP benefits are pausing in November?
For urgent help in finding resources close to you, especially financial assistance and food pantries, you can visit Find Help Georgia, right here. They’ll point you in the right direction.
You can also receive food from one of Atlanta’s food pantries or service centers, like:
1. Hosea Helps’ The Care Center:
Families and individuals can visit The Care Center warehouse during the week and receive free emergency groceries. They say, “Our food packages fit the cooking capability of families who are living on the street, or in hotels that may not have a refrigerator or stove, or with homes whose utilities have been turned off, as well as families with fully functioning kitchens.” Learn more and visit their website, here.
Where: 2545 Forrest Hills Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30315-8122
2. HOPE Atlanta
HOPE Atlanta is a Women’s Community Kitchen, open to low-income women and children under 18. Learn more on their website, here.
Where: 458 Ponce De Leon Ave
3. Salvation Army Metro Atlanta
Salvation Army has locations all over Atlanta where you can get food, groceries, or even mobile meals. Learn more and contact your local center on their website, here.
Where can I donate food to help those with pausing SNAP benefits?
1. Atlanta Community Food Bank
You can donate food or money. Check out their website to see how and what they’d like, here. Your Impact: Every $1 helps provide 3 meals.
2. Atlanta Mission
Atlanta Mission accepts non-perishable food items, fresh produce, and other nutritious essentials.You can learn more about where to donate food or donate money on their website here.
3. Second Helpings Atlanta
Second Helpings Atlanta is a nonprofit food rescue organization whose mission is to end hunger and food waste in the Metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, nutritious surplus food and distributing it to those in need. To learn more and donate or volunteer, visit their website here.
We will keep you updated as we receive updates on the SNAP benefits program.