THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Fighting Hunger with NETWorks Cooperative Ministry
Tell us about why you applied to the Hands On Hunger Program and what you're goals are for the next two years.
Increase number of volunteers; improve volunteer retention
Tell us about your organization - what's your mission, and how does it impact our community?
Our mission is to respond with the hospitality of Christ to the food and financial needs of residents and to partner with them to find long-term solutions to poverty. We provide a client-choice pantry 3 days a week, year-round.
What's the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
NETWorks was started in 2004 by a group of pastors in the area. They realized that people came to the local churches for help, but the churches did not have the expertise of means to serve people well, so they decided to pool their resources and start a nonprofit to serve the community.
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What is possible through the support of volunteers that would not be possible otherwise?
NETWorks distributes 140,000+ through our client choice pantry and mobile food pantries each year. We also grow fresh vegetables through our hydroponic garden program, Growings! We do all of this with 6 staff, and lots of very dedicated volunteers. On a weekly basis, 100+ volunteers help us run our programs.
What community problem is your organization trying to solve? Can you tell us more about the issue?
The cost of living continues to increase, and wages are not keeping pace. People who have retired or are on disability find that their fixed income does not make ends meet. Part of our mission is to help people walk out of poverty, but we know that people cannot accomplish this goal without access to fresh, healthy food. Through our client-choice pantry, we can provide a significant amount of the food a family needs at no cost. Our pantry and other programs are designed to maximize opportunities for staff, volunteers, and neighbors to form relationships that matter.
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization? For example, how many meals/families/individuals do you serve monthly?
In January 2026, we distributed 41,851 pounds of food to 3,440 people.
What kind of programming do you offer the community?
Client-choice pantry, mobile food pantries, financial assistance (rent, utilities, sometimes hotel), hydroponics gardening education, financial education, mail service (for people living houseless), referrals for other assistance.
What types of projects do you offer? Tell us about a few different offerings. Do you have monthly or weekly recurring opportunities? How about your seasonal or annual events?
We have weekly recurring opportunities, including our client-choice pantry (3 days a week, and one evening per month), warehouse/pantry prep, retail pickups, office/clerical work, and working in the hydroponics garden. Seasonally, we offer 2 shops, Back to School school supply shop and a Christmas shop, both of which have volunteer opportunities to prep for the shops, and run the shops when they are open. We also run several fundraising and educational events throughout the year that have need for volunteers.
Tell us about what it's like to serve with your organization. How many volunteers do you host every month?
Many of our volunteers work with us one or two times a week, but we typically host 400+ volunteers in a month.
Tell us about how volunteers can jump in and get involved. How can they best support you?
We do not require prior training, instead we match up new volunteers with seasoned ones to learn a particular task. Some volunteer jobs do require additional training, so when a volunteer indicates interest in a more complex job, a staff member will work with them to schedule training that suits the individual volunteer.
Fighting Hunger with Altar of Grace Food Pantry
We’re excited to spotlight one of our newest Hands On Hunger pantries - Altar of Grace Food Pantry! They serve Snellville, GA and feed Gwinnett County families each month! Their mission is to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.
We’re excited to spotlight one of our newest Hands On Hunger pantries - Altar of Grace Food Pantry! They serve Snellville, GA and feed Gwinnett County families each month! Their mission is to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry. Working to bridge gaps in food security by providing families with reliable access to food while also minimizing food waste in the community. By supporting families facing financial hardship, Altar of Grace helps improve overall community health, strengthen resilience, and reduce the long-term impacts associated with hunger and malnutrition.
Learn more about Altar of Grave in our spotlight below!
Volunteer with Altar of Grace Food Pantry here
Tell us about why you applied to the Hands On Hunger Program and what you're goals are for the next two years.
We applied to the Hands On Hunger Program because we are committed to expanding our impact and serving even more families in need. Additional volunteer support will help us improve our capacity to unload, sort, and package food efficiently. Over the next two years, our goal is to increase the number of families we serve, strengthen community partnerships, and continue working toward a future where no child in our community goes to bed hungry.
What's the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Our organization was created to respond to the growing need for food access and support for families experiencing food insecurity. Recognizing that many families struggle to consistently access nutritious food, our founders began organizing food distribution efforts to support the community. Over time, these efforts have grown into a program that now serves hundreds of families each month while continuing to focus on reducing hunger and strengthening the community
“Serving with our organization is a hands-on and rewarding experience where volunteers can see the direct impact of their work. Volunteers assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food to families in the community. We host approximately 30 volunteers each month, and every extra set of hands helps us serve more families and operate more efficiently.”
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What is possible through the support of volunteers that would not be possible otherwise?
Volunteers are essential to our mission. They help unload deliveries, sort food donations, pack food boxes, and distribute food to families in need. Their support allows us to serve more families each month and operate our programs more efficiently. Without volunteers, it would be much more difficult to reach the number of families we currently serve and respond to the growing need for food assistance in our community.
What community problem is your organization trying to solve? Can you tell us more about the issue?
Our organization is working to address food insecurity within our community, particularly among families with children. Many households face financial challenges that make it difficult to consistently access nutritious food. By providing food assistance and connecting families to resources, we help bridge this gap while also reducing food waste and supporting healthier communities.
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization? For example, how many meals/families/individuals do you serve monthly?
Our organization currently serves over 400 families each month through our food distribution efforts. By working with community partners and volunteers, we are able to sort, pack, and distribute food to families experiencing food insecurity. Our goal is not only to provide meals, but to ensure children and families have consistent access to nutritious food while also reducing food waste in our community.
What kind of programming do you offer the community?
We provide food assistance and community support programming designed to address food insecurity and strengthen families. Our programs focus on providing reliable access to nutritious food, supporting families during financial hardship, and building stronger community connections. Through our work, we aim to improve food access, reduce hunger, and promote overall community health.
What types of projects do you offer? Tell us about a few different offerings. Do you have monthly or weekly recurring opportunities? How about your seasonal or annual events?
We offer a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities including unloading food deliveries, sorting donated food, boxing food items, and distributing food to families in need. These opportunities take place on a regular monthly basis and allow volunteers to directly support our food distribution efforts. Volunteers play a key role in helping us prepare food packages and ensure families receive the support they need.
AmeriCorps Spotlight: CHARLEATHA BURTON
From small-town roots to big-city dreams, Charleatha is a world-changer in the making. Currently serving as an AmeriCorps Teaching Assistant in Atlanta, she is dedicated to shaping the future of her community and leaving a lasting mark through her commitment to education and service.
Learn more about her journey below!
Why did you join AmeriCorps?
I joined AmeriCorps to be a part of something bigger than me. AmeriCorps has a vast array of special programs that I can participate in, however, education has my heart. Working with children in the elementary setting has been such a joy, and it's always something different every day.
What do you like most about working with your students?
What I like most about working with my students is that each child has different learning experiences in the classroom. To see their face light up when they sound out a word or get a 100 on their spelling makes me proud of my progress with each student I work with, as well as theirs.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
What I hope to gain from my Hands on Atlanta experience is that I can do anything I put my mind to. Leaving my comfort zone in my hometown, transitioning somewhere unfamiliar, and helping kids learn to love and enjoy school as I did. Also, having elementary education experience works well if I decide to go back to school.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in five years as a Mental Health Counselor working with children in the school setting or in foster/adoption agencies
When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?
Since I'm new to the Atlanta area, I like to explore different places. I like to go to art galleries, food halls, concerts of the artists I like, and the beautiful parks downtown.
What do you love about Atlanta?
What I love about Atlanta is how rich the city is in history. I'm from a small city in central Florida, transitioning from seeing almost no one who looks like me in most places to seeing my people in every setting, it's such a joy. Atlanta has treated me well, and I enjoy the city so much!
Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!
Powering the Future: Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
This April, 25,000 high school students will travel to Atlanta to compete among the best for the coveted DECA Glass at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Hands on Atlanta is looking for professionals to volunteer as judges for competitive events to decide who becomes a 2026 DECA ICDC champion.
Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
This April, 25,000 high school students will travel to Atlanta to compete among the best for the coveted DECA Glass at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Hands on Atlanta is looking for professionals to volunteer as judges for competitive events to decide who becomes a 2026 DECA ICDC champion.
What is DECA ICDC?
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year, where members compete, network and grow as leaders.
Each year, members participate in DECA’s competitive events program, advancing from district to state to ICDC. With 60 events, members can choose to compete in role-plays, prepared events, or online simulations that directly tie into DECA’s career clusters.
For many students, ICDC is the highlight of their high school experience and where they discover their future path.
“Anyone who’s competed at ICDC can tell you that they’ve grown in some shape or another. For me, competing at ICDC strengthened my confidence, industry knowledge, and professionalism. None of which would’ve been possible without our judges. Judges allowed me to feel ready to take on any challenge presented to me. With quality feedback and meaningful questions, I feel more prepared now for college and my future career in travel and tourism.””
The Role of Hands on Atlanta
1,000 volunteers are needed to make DECA ICDC an unforgettable experience for DECA members. Volunteering as a competitive events judge is a unique opportunity to make an impact on both the lives of high school students and your own.
When volunteers show up, they help create an environment where high school members can learn, grow and thrive. We invite you to be part of that environment.
“ICDC pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to grow. I learned so much, laughed even more, and shared an unforgettable experience with friends I’m so grateful for!”
Volunteer Logistics
As a competitive events judge, you’ll sit across from future members as they present their role-plays and prepared event findings.
No DECA experience is needed to serve as a volunteer judge, and volunteers will receive on-site training, breakfast, lunch, free parking, and a gift for their time.
DECA ICDC Competitive Events Judge
April 26th, 27th and 28th | One day opportunities are available
Georgia World Congress Center | 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
AmeriCorps Spotlight: Jamia Charles
We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Jamia Charles! Jamia Charles is a Community Servant, Community Builder, Youth Advocate, and apart of our Hands On Atlanta family.
Learn more about her journey and how she is shaping the future!
Introducing Jamia Charles the Community Servant, Community Builder, Youth Advocate
Why did you join AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps literally fell into my lap. While going through my emails, I stumbled upon the program and became curious. I thought to myself, “Why not give my childhood aspiration a try?” That curiosity led me to apply, and it has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives as well as the community. What started as a chance discovery has become a defining step in my professional career.
What did you like most about working with your students?
What I liked the most was seeing students grow academically and gain confidence over time. Being a part of their progress and watching them achieve their goals was very rewarding for both the scholar and me. I also valued building positive relationships with my students and creating a supportive learning environment where they felt encouraged to participate and succeed.
What did you gain from this experience?
Through this experience, I gained hands-on experience working with students, strengthened my communication skills, and developed a deep understanding of how to support diverse learning needs.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself growing in a leadership role within a nonprofit organization where I can contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that address community needs. I also see myself continuing to develop my skills in community outreach and strategic planning, allowing me to take on greater responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission and overall success.
When you’re not serving the community, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of serving the community, I enjoy activities that help me recharge, such as running, reading, and spending time with people who are important to me. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance, stay disciplined, and continue learning.
“What I love about Atlanta is its rich history, abundance of opportunity, and vibrant diversity. The city’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, earning it the nickname “Phoenix City” after it rose from the challenges of the past to become a thriving hub of culture, business, and transportation. Today, that spirit of growth and determination continues to define Atlanta, making it a place of possibility for both personal and professional development. It’s a city like no other, and I am proud to call it home.”
Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!
Honoring a Legacy Through Action — Reflecting on the 2026 MLK Days of Service
This January, Atlanta showed what it means to lead with service. In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., our community came together not just to reflect, but to act, turning Dr. King’s vision of love in action into meaningful impact across metro Atlanta.
From January 12–19, thousands of volunteers answered the call to serve with compassion and purpose. Neighbors rolled up their sleeves for community cleanups, educational outreach, food distribution, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating the power of collective action when a city moves together.
This January, Atlanta showed what it means to lead with service. In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., our community came together not just to reflect, but to act, turning Dr. King’s vision of love in action into meaningful impact across metro Atlanta.
From January 12–19, thousands of volunteers answered the call to serve with compassion and purpose. Neighbors rolled up their sleeves for community cleanups, educational outreach, food distribution, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating the power of collective action when a city moves together.
In partnership with more than 50 nonprofits and schools, Hands On Atlanta supported 150+ service projects throughout the region. Across five marquee volunteer activations, volunteers packed 60,000 meals and assembled 4,000 comfort kits for neighbors in need. The week concluded with the MLK Sunday Supper, where nearly 300 civic, community, and corporate leaders gathered for an evening of connection and honest dialogue centered on health equity.
Together, Atlanta honored Dr. King’s legacy the way he intended, through service that strengthens our city and builds a more just, caring future for all.
SUNDAY SUPPER 1/18
12th Annual MLK Sunday Supper presented by Coca-Cola
300 of Atlanta’s most influential community, civic and corporate leaders joined Hands On Atlanta at the Atlanta History Center for an evening of dialogue and discourse on health equity.
Atendee’s received a video welcome from Senator Warnock, and the night’s emcee was Cheryl Preheim, morning anchor at 11Alive. Presenters included Corwin N. Harper, President & CEO of Kaiser Permanente, Niya Randall, Lead Facilitator of Thriving Together Atlanta, Dr. Tabia Henry Akintobi, PhD, MPH, Professor and Chair of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Entertainment was provided by award winning Violinist Joy Black, with an incredible performance by Out of Hand Theater, Conditional Care. Conditional Care was written and directed by Nikki Young, starring Markell Williams.
MARQUEE PROJECTS
Comfort Kit Pack @ Legacy Park
200 Volunteers from Salesforce, Piedmont Healthcare, and AT&T joined Hands On Atlanta & Restoring One’s Hope at Legacy Decatur to pack 2000 comfort kits.
Comfort Kit Pack @ Guardian Works
Over 200 volunteers from OneDigital, Atlanta Dream, Fiserv, Midtown Rotary, Delta Dental, 11alive and The Home Depot Foundation joined us at Guardian Works to pack comfort kits and create fleece blankets for our partners at Restoring One’s Hope!
M4K Pack @ Hope-Hill Elementary with Delta.
175 Delta volunteers met us at Hope Hill Elementary to pack 2000 meals for Atlanta Schools! Recipients include Hope Hill Elementary, Usher-Collier Elementary, Peyton Forest Elementary, Scott Elementary, Kindezi at Gideons, and The Ansley School.
Meal Pack @ Monday Night Garage
Over 150 volunteers from Target, Eversheds Sutherland, Alston & Bird, Chick-fil-A, SouthState, and King & Spalding joined us and Meals for Hope to pack 60,000 meals at Monday Night Garage! Recipients include Atlanta Community Food Bank, Restoring One’s Hope Atlanta, Hope Hill Elementary, Usher-Collier Elementary, Peyton Forest Elementary, Scott Elementary, Kindezi at Gideons, and The Ansley School.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
Ready to continue doing something good? Don’t miss LOVE Your Park, February 1 - 28, 2026! Powered in partnership by Park Pride, the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation, Hands On Atlanta & Trees Atlanta. Join us for this citywide volunteer initiative for hands-on projects to help care for, beautify, and strengthen Atlanta’s parks. Let’s show our parks some love all month long!
AmeriCorps Spotlight: Amber Moore
We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Amber Moore! Amber is a visionary leader with a passion for helping others. She serves as a Student Support Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.
Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!
We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Amber Moore! Amber is a visionary leader with a passion for helping others. She serves as a Student Support Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.
Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!
Why did you join AmeriCorps?
I joined AmeriCorps because I was raised by two visionaries who fought for Civil rights in two different ways. They were the first to teach me to get into "Good Trouble" ( John Lewis). My parents and grandmother always taught me that serving my community is a responsibility of being an American citizen. AmeriCorps has been an amazing gateway for me to serve children who look like me but might not have the opportunities or exposure that I had, and I should help them have "Genius Awakenings" as well as give me a chance to have a hand in the education of our future.
What do you like most about working with your students?
What I like about this opportunity to work with students is seeing their faces when they have gone from 2nd grade reading level to 3rd grade - 4th grade reading level. When the Student Council was launched, the atmosphere changed, excitement was in the air, and the behavior of students changed.
“Atlanta allows me to be able to express my masculine-presenting side, and be a leader and advocate for the Black LGBT Greek community. While being a part of the teaching of our students in areas of leadership, and student emotional learning support.”
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
This work is a part of my legacy. I want to be the one that many years from now, something I have said or my character is what they remember.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to have the Kindezi West Student Council recognized for several awards, and I have a job with the Kindezi School System to create programs like the Student Council. I would love to work with Kindezi Schools to have AmeriCorps members heavily present at all schools.
When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to binge-watch movies, series, or just comedy shows. I love to travel with my fraternity members. Sometimes just hanging out at home is peace for me.
Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!
Food Insecurity Resource Guide
With the recent cut to SNAP benefits and Atlanta’s rise in food insecurity, our team put together a list of resources to help connect ATLiens with those who can help. So, if you or someone you know is in need of food or a hot meal, we hope this list of trusted organizations can help or someone you know, make it through this holiday season.
Hands On Atlanta’s mission is to mobilize the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs. With the recent cut to SNAP benefits and Atlanta’s rise in food insecurity, our team put together a list of resources to help connect ATLiens with those who can help. So, if you or someone you know is in need of food or a hot meal, we hope this list of trusted organizations can help or someone you know, make it through this holiday season.
Food Pantries
Click the name of each organization for more information.
4755 North Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
(678) 687-5357
Pantry Hours: Wednesday 9:00am - 12:30pm
What they provide: We distribute food and clothing on Wednesdays from 9:00am - 12:30pm
Requirements: No documentation necessary. They will ask for the name and birthdate of every member of your household.
1790 LaVista Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 325-0677
What they provide: a food pantry, and hot lunches. Each individual or family may come once a week to receive a box of groceries that will have dry goods, frozen meat, fresh produce, dairy items, bread, and desserts. Those without access to a kitchen will receive a large bag of non-perishable, easy-open, low-preparation foods.
Who they serve: Zip codes 30030; 30032; 30033; 30319; 30324; 30329; 30340; 30341; 30345. (Will distribute food to veterans and homeless peoples from any zip code)
Requirements: Bring proof of your address: driver's license or other official ID with address or bill with zip code.
Pantry Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 1:00pm - 3:30pm. No appointment necessary.
They have a limited number of “to-go” meals for our friends experiencing homelessness available on a first come, first served basis on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm. The meal may be eaten at our picnic tables or taken to be eaten elsewhere.
Shallowford Presbyterian Church
2375 Shallowford Road NE Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 321-1844
Who they serve: Residents of DeKalb County area only. Eligible to receive assistance 4 times per year.
What they provide: Shallowford’s Food Pantry provides temporary or emergency food assistance, including groceries, for over 400 families per year and distributes more than 15,000 pounds of food per year. No client fee or donation is required. Identification cards for all family members are needed at the time of arrival. Shallowford is on MARTA routes 33 and 126.
Pantry Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1:00pm to 3:00pm. For more information, please call.
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
1328 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309
404-228-7724 (Dial 1 for food pantry)
Who they serve: Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale.
Requirements: valid ID, SS card and proof of residency that shows amount paid for rent. Picture ID/driver license, proof of residence or lease (current utility bill), social security card for all members of the household, does not need proof of legal
Clients can only receive food bi-monthly.
Clients must complete an intake form their first visit before receiving any food.
What they provide: The pantry is stocked with food secured from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, local vendors, and church & community members. In a single year, approximately 131,000 pounds (nearly 62 tons) of food are distributed from the Venable Food Pantry.
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
2099 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30331
(404) 344-0618
Who they serve: Fulton.
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license, social security card for each child.
Pantry Hours: Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm.
1966 Lakewood Terr SE Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 622-7931
Who they serve: Fulton
Eligibility: If you don't have kids in the home but live within our service area (zip code 30315), you can stop by our office on Wednesdays to receive a bag of nutritious, supplemental food.
Pantry hours: Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license
Home Delivered Meals
Click the name of each organization for more information.
1705 Commerce Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404)-351-3889
Who they serve: In order to qualify for Meal Services, applicants must be:
60 years and older
Fulton County Residents
Low-income
What they provide: Our flagship program, Meal Services, provides nourishing meals to low-income and homebound seniors in Atlanta who are unable to afford or access adequate nutrition. Currently, the meal services program delivers meals every Saturday to frail, homebound and low-income seniors residing in Fulton County.
1380 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 872-8089
Who they serve: Senior Clients, Medicaid Clients & The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), HIV/AIDS Clients, and Private Pay Clients & Caregivers
What they provide: Medically-tailored meals for Medicaid clients, Care transitions from hospital to home/community, Freshly prepared meals for our senior clients, and Health-promoting, kid-friendly meals for at-risk youth
Need more resources?
Our friends at United Way of Greater Atlanta have an awesome 211 service! This is the place to find the resources you need to keep yourself and your family housed, fed, safe, and healthy. Find services in your area through their database.
Ready to lend a hand? Volunteer with our partners fighting food insecurity!