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In a world that seems to be drowning in excess, it’s almost comical how we still manage to overlook basic human needs. Right in the heart of Atlanta, 970 Jefferson St. NW stands as a beacon of what community can achieve when it decides to get its act together. Purchased in 2019 by Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund, the site is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to the power of collective action against the backdrop of a city where some folks are still struggling to find a decent meal. Bill Bolling and John Ahmann didn’t just buy a building; they sparked a movement, one that now houses 19 nonprofits and local enterprises working tirelessly to uplift the Westside community. The irony? While we’re busy tossing our leftovers and whining about our diets, these organizations are elbow-deep in the real fight—transforming surplus food into sustenance for those who need it most. Enter Second Helpings Atlanta, the star of our show, which operates right from this revitalized space and has been stealing the spotlight for the past two decades. They’ve rescued over 32 million pounds of food, turning waste into a lifeline for people across the metro area. Talk about flipping the script on food insecurity!
Rescuing food, nourishing communities
Second Helpings Atlanta sits at the chaotic crossroads of hunger relief and sustainability. What began as a simple mission has morphed into a logistical powerhouse that’s done the unthinkable—rescuing millions of pounds of food that would otherwise rot away. With a simple, yet effective, volunteer-driven rescue model, they’re not just filling bellies; they’re changing the narrative around food waste in Atlanta. Their Development Specialist, Jon McMurdo, puts it bluntly: “We build relationships with places that have excess food—ranging from stadiums and grocery stores to restaurants.” It’s a practical approach to an absurd problem. Instead of letting perfectly good food end up in a landfill, they mobilize volunteers to pick it up and deliver it straight to partner agencies. It’s almost poetic how they’ve turned the logistics of food rescue into a well-oiled machine, while their partners focus on what they do best—serving those in need.
A hub for connection and collaboration
Being at 970 Jefferson has opened up a Pandora’s box of collaborative potential. One shining example is their partnership with Retaaza, another nonprofit sharing the same space. Together, they launched the Field to Fork program, which reimburses local farmers for the costs associated with producing surplus food that might otherwise go to waste. Now, isn’t that a refreshing twist? Helping small Georgia farmers stay afloat while ensuring communities have access to fresh produce. And you thought community couldn’t get any better. The synergy doesn’t stop there. Second Helpings Atlanta is also teaming up with Urban Recipe, another organization at 970 Jefferson, sharing resources like their Warehouse Specialist and Driver staff. It’s a classic case of two heads being better than one, and the results speak for themselves.
A direct impact on the Westside
The Westside of Atlanta is often painted with a broad brush of neglect and poverty, but Second Helpings Atlanta is changing the narrative, one meal at a time. With a robust network of partner agencies, they’re not just throwing food at the problem; they’re strategically redistributing resources where they matter most. Whether it’s a soup kitchen outside a church or a community pantry, they ensure that every morsel counts. McMurdo emphasizes, “All the food we rescue from Mercedes-Benz Stadium stays right here in the community.” Zero-waste goals for the stadium? Check. Keeping communities nourished? Double check. It’s a win-win that makes you wonder why more organizations aren’t following suit.
Looking ahead
As Second Helpings Atlanta continues to expand its network of donors, volunteers, and partner agencies, the future looks bright. They’re committed to not just tackling hunger but also confronting the waste that perpetuates it. Being part of the 970 Jefferson community isn’t just a logistical advantage; it’s a powerful alliance that amplifies their efforts. “It’s not just about the space,” McMurdo states. “It’s about the people and the possibilities that come from working alongside others who share a vision for a better Atlanta.” Now, that’s a refreshing take on community service. Instead of just putting a band-aid on the problem, they’re digging deep, fostering relationships, and creating a network that genuinely cares. So, what’s next? Who knows! But with this kind of momentum, it’s hard not to be excited about the journey ahead. If you’re curious about how you can get involved with Second Helpings Atlanta, or just want to know more about the amazing work being done at 970 Jefferson, well, it seems you’ll just have to dig a little deeper and find out for yourself. No one’s going to hand you the answers on a silver platter.