Donation to Chattanooga Area Food Bank fights hunger

The Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia has donated $57,100 in 2020 to date to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank (“Food Bank”) to support its work to fight hunger in Northwest Georgia. The gift will provide hunger relief in Whitfield, Catoosa, Chattooga, Fannin, Gilmer, and

Walker counties.

“The Chattanooga Area Food Bank continues to be a wonderful partner in Northwest Georgia,” said Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia President David Aft. “They provide a trusted administrative framework to reach people who are food insecure throughout our region.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact, one in five people overall and more than one in four children could face hunger in the Food Bank’s service area, as published in a study by Feeding America. This represents a projected 40% increase in overall food insecurity and a more than 50% increase for children.

All 20 counties served by the Food Bank will experience increased food insecurity, or limited or uncertain access to adequate food, which can result in hunger, according to the USDA. In the nine Georgia counties the Food Bank serves, Catoosa and Whitfield are expected to see the most significant increases:

♦ Catoosa (52% increase overall; 69% increase for children)

♦ Chattooga (32% increase overall, 44% increase for children)

♦ Fannin (39% increase overall; 51% increase for children)

♦ Gilmer (40% increase overall; 47% increase for children)

♦ Walker (38% increase overall; 46% increase for children)

Whitfield (42% increase overall; 57% increase for children)

“The Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia has been a true partner in our region through their financial support and shared passion for fighting hunger,” said Food Bank Development Director Melanie Hammontree. “This generous gift will help provide nutritious food to children, families, seniors and others who may not know where they will find their next meal during this time of great need.”