Gas South raised $65k for Atlanta Community Food Bank as the nonprofit loses federal funding amid an already 60% increase in the need for food assistance over the past three years.

The latest funding drive is part of Gas South springing into action for National Volunteer Month- which came at an important time this year as households in metro Atlanta face hardships from layoffs and funding cuts.

“This is why it’s so important for us at Gas South to create a consistent culture of giving back- so that as needs arise, it’s not a question of if we respond but instead ‘how can we help’,” said Carley Stephens, Director of Corporate Giving at Gas South.

Since January, the Food Bank has increased households served by 14% compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, The U.S. Department of Agriculture cancelled $500 million in funding this year for The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supports food banks nationwide.

“We don’t know the totality of what that means yet, but we estimate that the cuts could amount to 10% of our food volume over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Greg Sims, Director of Institutional Giving at the Food Bank. “Given the high level of demand, that decrease in food will make it difficult to ensure that children, seniors, and families have the food they need.” 

Local food banks, like Midwest Food Bank, are unaffected by this cut as they rely primarily on private donors and contributors to support their food banks. 

Supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank is just one of many ways Gas South is giving back this National Volunteer Month. Their team has also dedicated time to Hope Atlanta’s Women’s Kitchen, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, Farm Share, the Ronald McDonald House and Emerging 100. 

These volunteer efforts are in addition to the 1,726 volunteer hours contributed by 300 Gas South employees to nonprofit organizations in 2024.

“While there’s so much that seems uncertain right now for kids and families in need, we know our team members will show up for our customers and community,” said Stephens.  To learn more about Gas South’s Fuel for Good initiative, which donates 5% of profits each year to organizations supporting children and families, visit their website.