Atlanta Community Food Bank Hosts Regional Stakeholder Conference

USDA FNS Southeast Regional Office (SERO) staff participated in the 2022 Southeast Food Bank and State Agency Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia in September. The Atlanta Community Food Bank hosted the 2-day conference for USDA staff, state agencies, food banks, and subject matter experts. Attendees received essential information and networking opportunities to better serve and combat hunger in their communities. The conference emphasized that collaboration is a fundamental mission to effectively provide access to healthy food to those who need it most across the southeast region.

Food supply chain issues and rising food costs have strained individuals and families across the country, highlighting the importance of a strong and resilient emergency food system, which includes organizations such as food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries. These emergency food providers continue to be vital partners in FNS' efforts to promote food and nutrition security.

USDA FNS Southeast Regional Administrator Willie C. Taylor and ACFB President/CEO Kyle Waide provided opening remarks. SERO's Special Nutrition Programs (SNP) Director Dr. Lilly Bouie, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Director Eugene Malveaux, and additional experts facilitated TEFAP, CSFP, SNAP E&T and Disaster Assistance sessions and break-out discussions to ensure food providers are well-informed to implement services within their states and communities. SERO Public Affairs Director Kim Betton moderated a COVID-19 Response Best Practices discussion with food bank panelists.

USDA recently announced that it will provide close to $2 billion in additional funding to food banks and school meal programs for purchasing American-grown foods. The additional support will help these organizations ensure supply chain challenges and elevated food costs as they continue to fulfill their mission of providing nutritious foods to children and families in need. The investment is part of the Department’s broader commitment to strengthening the supply chain and making nutritious food more accessible for families.