The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) is one of the central resources fighting hunger in metro Atlanta. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting and need emergency food support, or want to understand how food assistance works here, this guide walks through what the Food Bank does, how to get food, and ways to get involved.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is a food distribution hub, not a walk-up grocery store for the general public.
If you need food, you usually do not go directly to the Food Bank warehouse. Instead, you go to a partner pantry or program near where you live, many of which are within the City of Atlanta or nearby neighborhoods.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s main facility is located in the East Point area, serving the greater Atlanta region.
Atlanta Community Food Bank – Main Facility
3400 North Desert Drive
East Point, GA 30344
Phone (main line): 404-892-9822
This location is where:
It is not typically a direct walk-in pantry for individual households. To get food, most people are referred to partner locations.
The Food Bank works through a network of local partners across Atlanta’s neighborhoods, including areas like:
You can typically find a nearby pantry by:
When you contact these services, it helps to have:
Each pantry has its own rules, but many in Atlanta follow common patterns:
Most emergency food assistance locations do not require proof of income for basic food support, but policies can vary. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm:
Food available through partner agencies often includes:
Many Atlanta Community Food Bank partners aim to provide balanced groceries to last several days, but quantities vary by location and supply.
If you urgently need food in Atlanta:
Call 2‑1‑1 (United Way of Greater Atlanta)
Call Atlanta Community Food Bank at 404-892-9822
Look for emergency meal programs:
The Food Bank is one part of a broader food assistance network in Atlanta. If you’re struggling with food consistently, it may help to look at multiple supports together.
| Type of Resource | What It Does | How It Works for You in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Food Bank (ACFB) | Large warehouse/distributor | You usually don’t go here directly for groceries. |
| Food Pantry | Gives out bags/boxes of groceries | Visit on designated days, often monthly or weekly. |
| Soup Kitchen / Meal Site | Serves prepared meals on-site | Eat on-site at set meal times, no groceries to take. |
| Mobile Pantry / Distribution | Brings large-scale food giveaways to one location | Often drive-through or walk-up; scheduled by date/time. |
The Atlanta Community Food Bank supports many of these resources, especially pantries and mobile distributions, across the metro area.
For many Atlanta residents, especially families and seniors, food from a pantry is only one piece of staying food secure. You may also want to explore:
You can get information on these through:
Many partner agencies connected to the Atlanta Community Food Bank can refer you to organizations that help with benefit applications, especially in neighborhoods with higher food insecurity.
If you’re interested in helping fight hunger in Atlanta, the Food Bank provides structured volunteer opportunities.
Common tasks at the main facility in East Point or other designated sites include:
Volunteer shifts are usually scheduled and may accommodate:
To get current details:
Many Atlanta residents and businesses look to the Food Bank as a central place to support hunger relief.
You might see food drives at:
If you’re organizing a drive or have a large quantity of food to donate, you can contact ACFB at 404-892-9822 to ask:
Commonly needed foods include:
Monetary donations help the Food Bank:
You can contact ACFB directly for information about:
Because the Atlanta Community Food Bank serves a wide region, it directly supports many areas within and immediately around the city, including but not limited to:
If you’re unsure whether your area is covered, 2‑1‑1 or the ACFB main line can help clarify which pantries and programs serve your address.
To make the most of resources connected to the Atlanta Community Food Bank:
Call before you go
🕒 Verify hours, eligibility, and what to bring. Some sites change schedules due to weather, holidays, or deliveries.
Ask about other services
Many partner organizations also offer clothing closets, financial counseling, job support, or benefits assistance.
Bring reusable bags or a cart
Some Atlanta pantries provide a generous amount of food; having a way to carry it helps, especially if you’re using MARTA.
Note how often you can return
Some locations allow weekly visits, others monthly. Tracking this helps you plan meals and budget.
Here are core contacts that connect directly or indirectly to the Atlanta Community Food Bank network:
Atlanta Community Food Bank (Main Line)
3400 North Desert Drive
East Point, GA 30344
Phone: 404-892-9822
Use this for:
United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2‑1‑1
Dial 2‑1‑1 from most local phones or use their main information line (which 2‑1‑1 can provide).
Use this for:
These two points of contact are often the fastest way to connect with an Atlanta Community Food Bank partner or another food resource close to where you live or are staying.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is the backbone of much of the food assistance available in and around Atlanta. Whether you need immediate help with groceries, are looking for stable long-term support, or want to give back, understanding how this hub and its partners work will help you navigate food resources more confidently in Atlanta.
