Thanksgiving is a holiday many people are fortunate enough to celebrate with family, friends and food. However, each year there are people — including in Athens — who spend the holiday hungry, alone or both.
High rates of food insecurity prevent many people in Athens from celebrating the holiday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as lacking access to enough food for a healthy, active lifestyle. In 2021, the food insecurity rate within the U.S. was 10.4%, according to Feeding America. That same year, Athens-Clarke County experienced an insecurity rate of 13.5%, meaning 17,330 people faced this issue.
Jana Harwell, the manager of donor experience at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, estimates that these numbers are higher.
“Food insecurity rate in actuality is higher than the numbers are given because food insecurity is not a statistical measure,” Harwell said. “It’s more of a self-reported number. And so we know that there are people who are food insecure who maybe would not define themselves as that.”
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in reliance on food banks for nourishment. While overall reliance has decreased, Harwell notes that the need hasn’t dropped to pre-pandemic levels.
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, with support from donors and retailers in the region, serves 14 counties. Most times, distribution doesn’t occur directly through the food bank, but rather through non-profits who are members of the bank.
However, this year the food bank itself will host a drive-through distribution, which will include both canned and fresh goods, on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Clarke Central High School at 2 p.m. Supplies will serve 200 families in first come, first serve fashion. People should enter off Baxter Street, according to the flier.
“We are making an impact in that we are able to put food into the hands of people who need food,” Harwell said.
However, there is another factor that prevents individuals, particularly college students, from enjoying traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. High flight prices may prevent many students from traveling home and celebrating with family. According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a domestic flight during Thanksgiving is $681, which is 5% higher than it was in 2022.
David Hutchinson, senior pastor at New Covenant, a non-denominational church in Athens, said that they will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. in the church’s Family Life Center.
“The heart behind it is just for people who … can’t go home to be with their family at Thanksgiving,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson hopes that the event “make[s] people feel like they have community, they have a place and that they’re loved.”