As we reflected on our unique contribution to closing racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S., we prioritized expanding our model within 10 states which have both an abundance of surplus food (according to the EPA) and more than 20% of the population experiencing hunger (according to Feeding America). Within those 10 states, we sought to pilot programs, outside of our traditional chapter model, in areas which would help us learn how we could feed more people faster. That brings us to Atlanta, Georgia.

By partnering with the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) our students, volunteers and alumni at Georgia State University and Emory College are participating in three pilots to help us evaluate, how can we move the most fresh produce, to feed the people in the most need, fastest?

The three pilots are:

(1) paying local small farmers directly for the labor to glean surplus produce and transport it to Atlanta hunger-fighting partners in the areas with the most need (as determined by the Mayor’s Office of Resilience);

(2) training students from Georgia State University and Emory College to glean surplus food from farms and assist the farmer in finding alternative marketplaces to sell produce at a reduced cost; and

(3) students and alumni will glean from local community gardens and urban farms and donate the produce to a local community nonprofit serving community members experiencing hunger. 

These pilots will run throughout this summer and into the fall. Please be sure to check back here as we report on our progress. It is our hope that through this pilot, we can replicate the most successful strategies in other parts of the country so we can continue to ensure food is not wasted.