Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Podchaser | RSS

Help stop hunger at this year’s Hunger Walk/Run hosted by today’s Around Atlanta guest, the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Angie Clawson, public relations manager for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, is on hand to discuss the walk/run, the function of the ACFB, how to volunteer and much more.

The 31^st Annual Hunger Walk/Run takes place this Sunday, March 15, 2015. The cost to attend is $25 for walkers and $35 for runners, and proceeds benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, as well as a number of other organizations that have food relief programs. Throughout its 31 years, the walk/run has raised more than $7 million for hunger relief, which has in turn provided 28 million meals! Held at Turner Field, entertainment and registration begins at noon, while the race begins at 2 p.m. Registration is available online until tomorrow, Friday, March 13, or you can register at the event on Sunday for an additional cost.

The ACFB is a distribution center for other non-profits that have food relief programs. One of seven food banks in Georgia, the ACFB has 600 partners and works in 29 metro counties. This means that individuals, businesses and organizations from around metro Atlanta are giving back to their local community when they donate to the ACFB.

Although the economy is growing, the number of people in need of assistance has grown, creating a greater need for volunteers, donations and contributions. Despite what many may assume, the greatest need isn’t necessarily from urban communities. Currently, Gwinnett County is one of the largest areas in need from a poverty standpoint, as it has a growing number of residents needing assistance.

To reach the growing number of people in need, the ACFB takes donations from a variety of locations, and then uses around 1,500 volunteers per month to sort through the items. The items are then inserted in an online system so that the food bank’s 600 partner organizations can order goods based on what the food bank currently has in store. Those organizations can then pick up the items from the ACFB or schedule a delivery.

Perhaps one of the ACFB’s biggest fundraisers is the Atlanta Apartment Association Food-a-Thon, which takes place from June through October of every year. Last year’s event raised $1 million, and it includes a variety of fun activities in addition to the traditional food drive. Members enjoy a block party and the annual Can Can Ball, a black-tie fundraising gala with a silent auction.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, visit the website at www.ACFB.org and walk through the steps under the ‘participate’ tab. There are a variety of opportunities for individuals, companies or organizations to volunteer, from the sorting program and community garden program to helping kids in need secure free school supplies.

To learn more about the Atlanta Community Food Bank or this weekend’s Hunger Walk/Run, listen to the full podcast.