Please Help Our Community Members with Food!
The Athens Food Pantry/Circle of Joy is asking our community members and faith communities to consider donating to help in this time of need. United Way identified that 49% of Athens Residents are in the ALICE population in their 2025 report meaning. ALICE Stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basics where they live. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of household essentials (housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan). Households below the ALICE Threshold — ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials. With uncertainty of federal food programs this is a large time of need for families, the elderly and disabled and especially children.
Monetary donations are the preferred form of donation as they allow us to purchase larger amounts and discounted items however we have several options below which are all wonderful.
How to help our community in this time of need.
Donate Funds Directly to Progress Athens in memo Athens Food Pantry - Circle of Joy.
*Note that this is a 501c3 via Progress Athens so donations can receive verification for tax purposes as needed.
Donate gift cards purchased from Mainstreet Market for Donation. These can be dropped off at Forward Bank or donated at your church.
Add money to the Main Street Market grocery account (managed by the store used for those short on funds)
Donate Special discounted items from Mainstreet Market. There is a collection bin at the store!
Donate NON EXPIRED canned, self stabile or hygiene items from your household/other stores. Please note that because of lack of regular drop off times such efforts are best coordinated with faith or specific community groups for a larger donation. Smaller donations can be made at the pop up pantries Nov 6th or Nov 20th at the Athens Firehall.