Celebrating Success Along the Way
Operations Manager Juan Carlos celebrating after running the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk Run 5K
Dear Supporters,
Last month, I wrote to ask for your support, the support of our community, for Team THCA and the other teams fundraising for Toco Hills Community Alliance through the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk Run.
Our community absolutely showed up for us in a big way! Team THCA raised almost $17,000 and with all the other teams added in, over $30,000 was donated on our behalf. These funds will be applied as a credit to our account at the Atlanta Food Bank and allow us to purchase about 40% of the over 1,000,000 pounds that we will give away this year.
This is more important than ever because we are now serving three times the number of families we did five years ago. It seems every week we are breaking records without even trying – because the need is great and growing.
And – the good news to celebrate is that our support from you all continues to grow stronger so, together, we can keep being Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Your commitment, your caring, your compassion is making a positive impact on our community.
We have recently had more than one class of middle school students come by to complete community service. They have all been very surprised to learn that food insecurity in happening right in our, their, neighborhood. It seems to inspire them a bit more to know that what they are doing – cleaning, organizing, moving food boxes – directly affects the well-being of people who actually live close to them.
For unhoused neighbors to have a hot meal and a kind word,
For fleeing refugees to find food and welcome – sometimes even in their own language,
For parents to have less worry about caring for their children to grow strong,
For seniors and those with health issues to have access to more healthy food,
For students from middle to grad school to be able to serve and learn,
For retirees to come and share their time and gifts,
For all to care for and grow from knowing each other…
Our neighborhood is better for this, as we all come together not just to fight food insecurity, but offer hope and hospitality and form compassionate, caring community.
This is success to be celebrated!
In celebration for your generosity that leads to our success,
Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig, Executive Director
The Hunger Walk Run took place on March 10th. It was a bit windy and chilly, but the sun shone and all of Team THCA that walked or ran made it to the finish line! Some pics of our fun:
For information on Team THCA and to donate, here is the link. We can take donations throughout March.
PS – Huge thanks to other teams walking for THCA.
All the funds they raise will go to our account as well.
Bridgepoint Consulting
Clairmont Presbyterian Church
Hope Xpress Community Church
Intown Community Church
Laurel Ridge Eagles
Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church
SMLC Hunger Fighters
Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta
UUCA
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [used to be called Food Stamps] is a critical resource that provides vulnerable populations access to nutritious food, one of the most important programs to fight food insecurity, and considered one of the most effective and responsive federal aid programs.
Further, the program not only helps feed people, but also our economy. Money spent at local grocery stores and markets leads to more jobs, wages and local economic activity in the community. In fact, every SNAP dollar that households redeem expands the economy by about $1.54.
In partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, at least once a month a Benefits Coordinator is coming to THCA to provide information about SNAP and other benefits, do some initial screening, and assist our neighbors who come to navigate the system to access SNAP and other benefits on the spot.
This a great opportunity to help our neighbors in another way to access healthy food, and to help our entire community and we are thankful to ACFB for partnering with us in this service!
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