We all face challenging times in our lives when a helping hand can make all the difference. With the rising cost of groceries and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, families across the country are facing tough decisions. If you're feeling the weight of these challenges, please know you are not alone, and help is within reach. Below is a quick list of resources in the Athens-area that can help.
I am continuously moved by how our community shows up for one another, time and time again. There truly is no place like Athens, GA. ❤️ If you know of an organization that can be added to this list, feel free to send it my way at jessicasweeney@macaronikid.com.
Upcoming Mobile Food Distribution
Images provided by Clarke County School District
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Free Thanksgiving Meals
If you’re looking for a warm Thanksgiving meal in the Athens area, check out these generous community-events offering free food & other necessities.
- Banquet of Blessings at The Classic Center's Grand Hall
Address: 300 N Thomas Street Athens, GA
Date and Time: November 23 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Quick Note:Free meal + clothing and toiletries giveaways - Athens First UMC
Address: 327 N Lumpkin Street Athens, GA
Date and Time: November 2 starting at 5pm
Quick Note: Free meal + pantry item giveaways - El Paso Tacos & Tequila - Athens Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Address: 255 W Washington Street Athens, GA
Date and Time: November 25 from 6pm to 10pm
Quick Note: One free plate per person from the Thanksgiving dinner table. - Sparrow's Nest: Annual Feel the Hungry
Address: 745 Prince Avenue Athens, GA
Date and Time: November 26 from 11am to 2pm
Quick Note: Buffet-style lunch + hygiene product giveaways - Chuck's Fish Athens Annual Thanksgiving Feast
Address: 220 W Broad Street Athens, GA
Date and Time: November 27 from 11am to 3pm
Quick Note: Free meal + all donations benefit Project Safe
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Address: 890 Newton Bridge Road Athens, GA
Phone: 706-354-8191
Quick Note: Over 230 pantries/mobile pantries - Athens Area Emergency Food Bank
Address: 640 Barber Street Athens, GA
Phone: 706-353-8182
Quick Note: Perishable and non-perishable items for Clarke-County residents
- Cornerstone Church Athens
Address: 4680 Lexington Road Athens, GA
Quick Note: Food pantry 3rd Saturday/month - East Athens Development Corporation Drive-Thru Food Distribution (EADC)
Address: 410 McKinley Drive Athens, GA
Phone: 706-208-0048
Quick Note: Drive-thru distribution 3rd Tuesday/month - Our Daily Bread Community Kitchen
Address: Meals served at First Baptist Church of Athens located at 355 Pulaski Street Athens, GA
Phone: 706-559-4426
Quick Note: Weekly breakfast/lunch for families in need - UGA Student Food Pantry
Address: Tate Student Center 146 Athens, GA
Phone:
Quick Note: Resource for students attending UGA - Open Hearts Food Pantry
Address: 150 Old Winterville Road Athens, GA
Phone: 706-354-8566
Quick Note: Call Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm to schedule. Food pantry service requiring small donation. - Athens First United Methodist Church
Address: 327 North Lumpkin Street Athens, GA
Phone: 706-543-1442
Quick Note: Contact church for availability - The Sparrow's Nest
Address: 745 Prince Avenue Athens, GA
Phone: 706-549-6693
Quick Note: Emergency food assistance - United Way 2-1-1
Quick Note: Website to help connect families to a variety of resources. Select "Search for Services" and input your zip code and city. - Community Food Resources: Athens-Clarke County
Quick Note: Website of events offering meals to those in need - City of Refuge Athens
Address: 565 Tallassee Road Athens, GA
Phone: 706-207-2874
Quick Note: Food distributions, deliveries, and more. - Marigold Market
Address: Pittard Park, 115 Parkview Road Winterville, GA
Phone: 706-742-8600
Quick Note: Drive-Thru Food Panty every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm - Winterville Cultural Center
Address: 371 N Church Street Winterville, GA
Phone: 706-742-0823
Quick Note: (Starting Nov. 10) Community Soup Kitchen every Monday from 5pm to 7pm
Social Media Advocacy
- Connect with upcoming local food giveaways, resources, and how you can donate on the Grocery Access Athens Facebook page.
Local "Little Pantries"
Please note that these locations rely on donations and may not be fully stocked upon arrival.
- Twisted Moon Studios
Address: 2421 Malcom Bridge Road Bogart, GA
Phone: 678-661-0126
Quick Note: Located outside of front doors of main entrance. - Athens Little Free Pantry
Address: 205 N Chase Street Athens, GA
Quick Note: Located at Ebenezer Baptist Church - Oconee Presbyterian Church
Address: 2601 Hog Mountain Road Watkinsville, GA
Quick Note: Located along main road access. - Butterfly Pantry
Address: 4175 Lexington Road Athens, GA
Quick Note: Located in west parking lot of Tuckston Methodist Church
Formula Donations
- Connect with formula donations in Athens and beyond on https://www.findhelp.org.
- Brightpaths Athens and Athens Parent Wellbeing peridoically have formula in their resource closets.
Additional resources for families in the greater Athens area.
Diapers
- Athens Area Diaper Bank
Address: 130 Conway Drive, Suite E, Athens, GA
Phone: 706-621-7265
Quick Note: Diaper distribution for families in need - Athens-Oconee CASA
Address: 693 North Pope Street Athens, GA
Phone: 706-613-1922
Quick Note: Diaper distributions for families in need
Mental Health
- Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
Phone: 1-800-715-4225
Text: 988
Quick Note: Connecting individuals to urgent mental health services
- Athens Free Clinic
Phone: 706-308-4092
Quick Note: Mobile clinic for low-income families - Athens Neighborhood Health Center
Address: 402 McKinley Drive Athens, GA
Phone: 706-543-1145
Quick Note: Helping ACC residents receive health care needs at an affordable price
Macaroni KID Athens is a FREE online parent resource sharing local events, kid-friendly activities, and helpful guides to keep you connected to all that's happening in the Athens and Oconee area.
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