USDA Program

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is a distribution site for USDA food commodities. The USDA program is designed to provide each state with a variety of food commodities for use by programs that serve low-income people. Recipients meet specific income guidelines. Currently, families whose income is 150% of the poverty level or less can receive USDA foods.

The program was begun in the late 1950's. It is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, but in Georgia the State Department of Education oversees the distribution of USDA product. The Food Bank receives the food and distributes it to agencies, which have received specialized training in storage and record keeping for USDA product.

A special USDA orientation is offered each month to discuss proper storage of product and the paperwork required. The paperwork differs depending on whether the distributing agency is a food pantry or serves meals on premise. Any agency in good standing may come to USDA orientation after the initial three months of partnership. Any agency interested in USDA orientation should call 404-892-FEED (3333) ext. 2008 to determine when the next orientation will be held.