For all of us connected to the hunger relief network in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia – service providers, partners and clients - the last three years have been a period of great challenge. Over that time period, the unemployment rate across our service area has increased to over 10%, putting almost 250,000 new individuals and families at greater risk of hunger. In response, ACFB’s food and product distribution to our partner agencies has jumped from 15 million to 26 million pounds of food annually, an almost 70% increase over three years. The environment in which we work and live is changing rapidly, and as a result, the challenges we face in feeding the hungry residents of North Georgia are shifting as well.
Purpose
In recognition of these challenges, and in an effort to better understand their strategic implications for ACFB’s hunger relief network, ACFB undertook a broad study of its 700 partner agencies during 2010 and early 2011. The purpose of the Agency Study was to increase our understanding of partner agencies' needs in the current environment, assess the network’s capacity to meet the emerging challenges, and identify opportunities to increase the sustainability and effectiveness of the network, with the ultimate goal of increasing the food security of low-income Georgians.
During the course of this study, over 600 individuals shared about their experiences serving hungry people in their communities, and in doing so provided comprehensive first hand information on the needs, goals and hopes for the future of the hunger relief network.
Opportunities
While there are certainly challenges ahead for the hunger network, there are also equally significant opportunities. As our partner agencies reminded us, hunger is a community level problem that requires a community level solution. By investing in the capacity of our partner agency network, we strengthen not only organizations, but we help empower communities in their fight against hunger. As a result, the key findings and opportunities revealed in this study have significantly shaped the direction of ACFB’s new four year strategic pan and are outlined in the report which can be downloaded above.
