Atlanta Public Schools Honors Martin Luther King Jr. with Food Giveaway for Families in Need
As the nation prepares to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 97th birthday on January 15, 2026, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is taking meaningful action to honor his legacy by addressing food insecurity within the community. Dr. King, a champion for civil rights and social justice, believed in the power of community and support. In this spirit, APS is organizing a grocery giveaway aimed at families in need.
The event, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, will take place at the Atlanta Public Schools Student and Family Support Hub located on Thomas Cole Jr. Way. The drive-thru grocery distribution kicks off at 4 p.m., providing an array of fresh meals and produce to those who attend. APS program director Keith Glass emphasizes the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting its students and their families, particularly in times of uncertainty.
“While SNAP benefits may have resumed, there continues to be a gap that we need to fill,” Glass stated, reflecting the persistent challenges faced by many families in Atlanta. The grocery giveaway is expected to serve at least 300 residents, showcasing APS’s initiative to combat food insecurity through regular outreach efforts. These events became particularly crucial in response to the recent government shutdown and resultant cuts to SNAP benefits, which left many families struggling to afford nutritional meals.
What distinguishes this particular event is its timing. APS has designed the giveaway to extend into the evening, making it more accessible for working families who might otherwise be unable to attend during traditional daytime hours. This initiative is not only a response to urgent needs but also celebrates Dr. King’s legacy of community service and upliftment.
The grocery giveaway is a collaborative effort, with support from local partners, including the Atlanta Hawks and Georgia Power. “Our goal is to provide good quality meals and ensure that groceries are readily available for all APS families and residents of Atlanta,” Glass remarked.
Looking ahead, Atlanta Public Schools is committed to maintaining its efforts to support families across the city through ongoing grocery giveaways and other initiatives aimed at alleviating food insecurity. This dedication to community welfare stands as a testament to Dr. King’s enduring influence, inspiring continued acts of service and compassion in the Atlanta area.
This initiative not only reiterates APS’s role as a vital community resource but also reinforces the need for collective action in addressing social issues. By celebrating Dr. King’s legacy in tangible ways, the district strives to foster an environment where all families have access to essential resources.
