This is the fourth feature in our Hunger Heroes series, spotlighting the incredible individuals and organizations making an impact in the fight against food insecurity. These are the people on the ground, meeting hunger with hope and reminding us that real change starts with care, consistency, and community.
For Phil Barks, that work happens every day as the Partnerships Director at Atlanta Mission, a nonprofit serving people facing homelessness, poverty, and addiction across the city.
“These are our most vulnerable population,” he says. “Our youngest kids who are struggling with the basic needs of just having enough to eat every single day and how that affects them in schoolwork, in life, socially, all these different ways.”
Every Story Starts with Being Seen
Founded on the belief that transformation is possible, Atlanta Mission supports thousands of individuals through emergency shelter, recovery programs, workforce readiness, and more, always tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.
The need in Atlanta is urgent:
- Over 750 individuals sleep on the streets each night.
- More than 3,300 youth are currently experiencing homelessness.
- 50% of young people aging out of the foster system face homelessness within six months.
“As we see that one in seven people in Atlanta struggle with food insecurity,” Phil shares, “if we can meet those needs, that’s just a start of what can be a continuing path toward wholeness and wellness in our clients’ lives.”
Atlanta Mission supports thousands of individuals through emergency shelter, recovery programs, workforce readiness, and more.
How Partnerships Make It Possible
Through partnerships with organizations like HelloFresh, Atlanta Mission is able to address food insecurity directly, helping nourish individuals and families while they work toward long-term stability.
“What gives me hope in the fight against food insecurity? It’s coming alongside amazing partners like HelloFresh, other businesses, and other companies in Atlanta,” Phil shares.
“That’s what makes a difference,” he continues, “That’s what gives me hope, because we can’t do it on our own through Atlanta Mission.”
Phil also emphasizes that addressing hunger takes all of us. From corporate partners to faith groups, volunteers to donors, there’s a role for everyone.
“Businesses, other organizations…certainly volunteer, but also donate. Be a part of what’s going on. Invest in Atlanta. Invest in our clients’ lives.”
Be a Hunger Hero in Your Community
Phil reiterates that you don’t have to be in Atlanta to make a difference. “No matter where you live across the country, you can get involved in the fight against food insecurity. Contact local nonprofits that are doing amazing work in their own communities. They would love for you to come out and be part of what’s going on.”
Like our other Hunger Heroes, Phil reminds us that sometimes, showing up with food is about more than just the meal. It’s a step toward dignity, healing, and a future filled with possibility.
To learn more about Atlanta Mission and how you can support their work, visit atlantamission.org.
Want to meet more Hunger Heroes? Read the rest of the series below, and find out how you can join the movement at hellofresh.com/hungerheroes.
- Hunger Heroes: Julie Garcia on Why Ending Childhood Hunger Takes All of Us
- Raising Awareness, One Post at a Time: How Becca and Justin Schwartz Are Helping Fight Childhood Hunger
- Hunger Heroes: How Chef Eitan Bernath Is Helping Fight Summer Hunger
Do you know someone making a difference in the fight against hunger and food insecurity? We’d love to hear their story. Email us at PRUSA@hellofresh.com and help us spotlight more Hunger Heroes in communities across the country.
