In the wake of a recent federal government shutdown, millions of Americans were reminded just how fragile access to food and basic supports can be. Disruptions to government operations create ripple effects across communities, placing additional strain on families already living on the edge and on the food banks working to meet growing need. In moments like these, advocacy is not optional — it is essential.

At Feeding Georgia, advocacy ensures that hunger remains a priority even when budgets tighten and attention shifts. As the statewide association representing Georgia’s seven regional food banks, Feeding Georgia serves as a trusted voice at the Capitol, working to protect and strengthen the programs and policies that help families weather uncertainty.

 

Too often, good food goes to waste because it doesn’t fit grocery store standards or because farmers grow more than they can sell. At the same time, too many Georgia families struggle to put meals on the table. Farm to Food Bank brings those two realities together in the best way possible: by connecting surplus crops from Georgia farmers directly to food banks.

Instead of being left in the field, these fruits and vegetables make their way into the hands of families who need them most — fresh, wholesome, and full of the nutrients that fuel healthy lives.

Government shutdowns and economic disruptions highlight the importance of nutrition programs like SNAP, school meals, and emergency food assistance. When these systems are threatened or delayed, food banks often become the first line of defense for families facing missed paychecks, rising costs, or interrupted benefits.

Feeding Georgia works year-round with lawmakers and state agencies to ensure these safety-net programs are strong, responsive, and accessible. By sharing real-time data and stories from communities across all 159 counties, we help policymakers understand what’s at stake — not in abstract terms, but in the daily lives of Georgia families.

Advocacy takes center stage at the Wild Hog Supper, Feeding Georgia’s signature event that kicks off Georgia’s legislative session. For more than 60 years, this historic gathering has brought together lawmakers, agricultural leaders, community partners, and advocates to celebrate Georgia’s agricultural heritage while setting the tone for the work ahead.

More than a tradition, the Wild Hog Supper creates space for meaningful conversation about hunger, nutrition, agriculture, and the policies that shape them. As legislators begin making decisions that will impact families across the state, Feeding Georgia uses this moment to elevate hunger as a bipartisan, shared priority.

Feeding Georgia’s advocacy extends beyond emergency food access to long-term solutions. Through initiatives like the Farm to Food Bank Program and Food as Medicine, we champion policies that support Georgia farmers, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs — while ensuring families receive nutritious, culturally preferred food. These efforts are especially important during times of economic and political uncertainty, when smart investments in nutrition can prevent deeper crises down the road.

As Georgia’s leaders convene for a new legislative session, Feeding Georgia remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen families, stabilize communities, and protect access to food — no matter what challenges arise at the federal or state level.

Because when uncertainty grows, advocacy becomes the bridge between need and action — and the Wild Hog Supper is where that work begins.