APS Food Now
APS CARES about every student and their family! To further ensure that APS families have access to food resources, Atlanta Public Schools has compiled a list of organizations providing food assistance to people living in the Atlanta area. In addition to the resource guide, APS also hosts a food distribution drive on the last Monday of each month at:
New Location
Lakewood Stadium
2051 Lakewood Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
Food Assistance Options
APS CARES is available to students and families who are in need of medical care, financial assistance, access to food pantries, and other free or reduced-cost assistance.
APS Student and Family Support Hub has partnered with Goodr to bring a free supplemental food resource to APS Families.
Atlanta Community Food Bank Food Map
Use the interactive map to locate food pantries near you. Enter your address to list pantries with their operating days and times. It’s always best to call to verify hours of operation.
Enter your ZIP code to find nearby food banks in the Feeding America network.
Helping Mamas is Georgia’s baby supply bank, providing essential items like diapers and period products to trusted partner organizations across the state.
Little Loaf is Goodr’s first affordable restaurant concept.
• Meals starting at just $4 per person
• $5 senior meals
• $2.50 kids’ meals
• Fresh salads & soups made daily
• Grab-and-go & dine-in options
• Little Love Tokens — pre-paid meal tokens you can gift or leave behind for someone in need
P.O.W.E.R. Atlanta Food Pantry
Free pantry with food, baby supplies, and essentials for low-income residents.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (Tefap)
The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta
Provides emergency food, clothing, and utility support.
Food co-ops and mobile pantry.
Helpful Food and Meal Apps
Get discounted groceries (produce, meat, etc.) from nearby stores.
Food pantry locators that show you when & where to get free food assistance in your area.
Recipe and meal-planning app to make the most of the ingredients you already have.
Buy surprise bags of surplus food from restaurants and bakeries at low cost.
Reliable & Low-cost Transportation Options for Families
MARTA Mobility / Paratransit Service:
For families with disabilities or elderly members needing assistance. https://itsmarta.com/marta-mobility.aspx
Families receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF can qualify for reduced fares on Atlanta’s public transportation system.
Uber & Lyft Food Access Partnerships
Check with Atlanta Community Food Bank or United Way 2-1-1 for promo codes or discount programs for rides to food pantries.
Other Transportation Options
- School-Based Volunteer Ride Network: Partner with PTA groups or parent volunteers to help families get rides to nearby food pickup points or pantries.
- Community Shuttle Programs: Some centers, like the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, offer shuttle or carpool programs for families.
Upcoming Food Drives
New Location
Location: Lakewood Stadium
2051 Lakewood Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
Date: Last Monday of each month
Time: 10:30 a.m. – until food is distributed
Does your family need immediate food assistance?
Please text “FINDFOOD” to 888-976-2232 for local food programs.
How Schools & Families Can Support Each Other
- Organize School-Wide Food Drives: Coordinate monthly or seasonal food drives where students, families, and staff can bring in non-perishable items. Partner with local food banks (like the Atlanta Community Food Bank) for easy pickup and distribution.
- Host a “Can-Drive Challenge”: Encourage friendly competition between classes or grade levels to collect canned goods. Offer small rewards (like a pizza party or spirit day) to the class that collects the most donations.
- Set Up a “Pantry in the School”: Create a small on-campus pantry stocked with shelf-stable food, hygiene products, and school supplies for families who need immediate assistance.
- Fundraise for Food Security: Use bake sales, spirit nights, fun runs, or crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for local food banks or the APS Family Support Hub. Even small donations go a long way toward providing fresh produce and meals.
- Partner With Local Businesses: Ask local grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers’ markets to donate items or sponsor food drive bins. Many businesses are eager to support schools.
- Promote Awareness in Newsletters & Events: Share success stories, total pounds collected, or photos from food drives to motivate participation and build a culture of giving.