Volunteers pack 1 million meals at State Farm Arena to fight Atlanta food insecurity

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Saturday, thousands of people packed State Farm Arena — but they weren’t there to see a game. Instead, the crowd’s goal was to pack 1 million meals in a single day.

Sponsored by the Atlanta Hawks, 2024 marks the fourth time the community has gathered to pack meals at the arena. The boxed food will go to five local nonprofits dedicated to fighting food insecurity.

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Jon Babul, the Hawks’ vice president of community impact and basketball programs, said the event drew more than 6,000 volunteers this year, which is about 1,000 more than last year. Participants include Hawks fans, Hawks players, politicians and even celebrities like Mariah the Scientist and Domaini Harris.

“This is Atlanta,” he said, waving a hand toward the massive crowd. “It’s just a hodgepodge, potpourri of Atlanta’s people, and we’re here for food insecurity.”

According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 1 in 8 Georgians don’t have access to consistent, healthy food. For children, that number is 1 in 5.

This year’s nonprofit meal recipients are:

• Atlanta Community Food Bank
• Hosea Helps
• Midwest Food Bank Georgia
• Sweetwater Mission
• The Salvation Army

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