Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is stepping in to support residents hit hard by the recent lapse in federal food assistance. On Friday, Dickens announced a temporary pause on residential water shutoffs and evictions in all City-owned, City-sponsored, and City-funded housing through January 31 or until the federal government shutdown ends. The move comes after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stopped on November 1, leaving thousands of families across Atlanta struggling to make ends meet.
In a statement, Dickens said the city’s priority is protecting vulnerable residents from losing access to essential needs like housing and water during a national crisis that’s beyond their control. “Our residents should not have to worry about eviction or losing water service while also figuring out how to feed their families,” he said.
To help fill the gap left by the loss of SNAP benefits, Dickens also announced the launch of ATL CARES, which stands for Community Action & Relief for Emergency Support. The new initiative brings together city departments and major local partners, including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr, Hosea Helps, and Atlanta Public Schools, to fight food insecurity head-on.
The Food Bank will pull $5 million from its reserves to buy more than six million pounds of emergency food, boosting distribution by an estimated 85 percent. That means more mobile food pantries, expanded warehouse deliveries, and increased partnerships with schools and churches that help feed families in need.
“This is about coming together as a community,” said Dickens. “Atlanta has always taken care of its own, and we’re going to make sure no one goes hungry during this difficult time.”
The city’s action comes at a crucial moment. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 14 percent of households in Atlanta relied on SNAP benefits within the past year. Many of those families already faced rising rents, food costs, and other financial pressures that have only intensified since the pandemic.
ATL CARES is expected to operate as both an emergency response and a long-term plan to strengthen food access citywide. The initiative will also coordinate with local schools to ensure students and families have access to daily meals, especially as winter approaches and utility costs increase.
Community advocates are applauding the move, saying it shows a real commitment to equity and compassion from city leadership. “This is what government should look like in times of crisis,” said one local organizer. “It’s about protecting people, not punishing them.”
For now, Mayor Dickens says the city will continue monitoring the situation closely and adjusting resources as needed. “We are ready to do whatever it takes to make sure our residents can stay safe, housed, and fed,” he said.
