Atlanta Hawks and State Farm brought thousands of volunteers together at State Farm Arena for the sixth annual Million Meal Pack, turning a day of service into a powerful response to food insecurity across metro Atlanta.
More than 5,000 volunteers, including families, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations, joined Hawks players Kingston Flemings, Asa Newell, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Wilson, along with Hawks and State Farm executives, to pack 1,002,402 meals with support from U.S. Hunger.
For Alexis Roe, Hawks’ Vice President of Community Impact, the significance of the event has grown alongside its size. Roe noted that one in eight people and one in six children in the Hawks’ metro Atlanta service area do not know where their next meal is coming from. Beyond hunger itself, she said food insecurity can affect nutrition and a person’s ability to reach their academic, athletic and personal potential.
“This year is even more critical,” Roe said, emphasizing the importance of creating conditions that allow Atlanta residents to thrive.The numbers tell the story of the initiative’s growth.
Over six years, the Million Meal Pack has brought together roughly 26,000 volunteers and surpassed six million meals packed. State Farm Director of Corporate Responsibility Elizabeth Letsky said the event’s energy is especially meaningful because volunteers consistently show up eager to make a difference.
Rick Whitted, president and CEO of U.S. Hunger, described the collaboration between the Hawks, State Farm and the community as a long-term investment in Atlanta. He also pointed to a changing face of food insecurity, noting that many households seeking assistance now include people who are employed and insured but still struggle to make ends meet.Whitted said the Million Meal Pack offers an important way to provide food discreetly while bringing attention to those economic pressures.
The event also featured community leaders and special guests, including U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Atlanta City Council President Marci Overstreet, Councilmember Matt Westmoreland, Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and musical artist Pastor Troy.
