Nonprofit Spotlight: City Bridges Food Pantry

When you see a need in your community, you step up, and that’s exactly what New City Church did nearly 20 years ago when it launched City Bridges Food Pantry. What started as a small outreach effort has grown into a vital resource for over 4,000 families monthly facing food insecurity across Atlanta.

In 2024, the agency distributed nearly 950,000 pounds of food distributed to more than 50,000 people in need. That’s not just food—it’s stability, it’s care, and it’s compassion delivered right to the doorstep of those who need it most.

We’re thrilled to celebrate partners like City Bridges Food Pantry who show us what’s possible when purpose and community come together.

Learn more about City Bridges Food Pantry below!

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Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?

Our mission is to fight hunger and nourish hope by providing access to nutritious food and essential resources to individuals and families in need. Through compassion, community partnerships, and dignity-driven service, we strive to alleviate food insecurity and foster a stronger, more resilient community. We've had feedback from several clients stating they appreciate being treated with compassion, kindness and respect and they are very grateful for the consistent help they receive.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community?

City Bridges offers two food pantries, one in Fairburn and the other in Peachtree City that distribute food two days per week and serve over 4,000 people monthly.

What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?

The Atlanta Community Food Bank reports that 1 in 6 children will go to bed hungry tonight and 1 in 9 Georgians is food insecure. We are partnering with Atlanta Community Food Bank to help fight hunger in our community.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?

Hands On Atlanta volunteers have played a vital role in the operation of our pantry. From picking up donations and unloading trucks to packaging food and assisting with distribution, their support has been invaluable. We truly couldn’t do what we do without them.

What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?

Our pantry has served over 50,000 people in need over the past year. This number has risen annually and our challenges have been very real, but God has enabled us to keep meeting the needs both emotional and physical in our community in spite of the challenges and this is a wonderful thing.

How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?

We have 200 volunteer opportunities per month. Volunteers are greeted by our volunteer coordinator and given the instruction they need to fulfill the task that best suits them. They are then partnered with our regular volunteers to complete their task.

“Terry is our volunteer coordinator. He has a genuine love for people and enjoys interacting with the volunteers and serving our clients.”

— City Bridges Staff

What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.

Our volunteer projects include unloading donations from the trucks, sorting and packaging food for distribution, delivering and loading food into cars. Volunteers can also help package backpack meals to be delivered to a local school for students who have been identified with significant food insecurity.

What do volunteers love about working with your organization?

Our volunteers love knowing they are doing something that is making a tangible difference for someone in need

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?

We are excited to be purchasing an additional truck to make donation pick ups much more efficient and increase the capacity to serve more people.

Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!

We welcome volunteers to join us in receiving, packaging and distributing food to our neighbors as the need continues to rise.

Meet Ennis Antoine - A Volunteer Serving with Care

Meet Ennis Antoine — a leader whose passion for people shines through everything he does. As the Managing Broker at Keller Williams West Atlanta, Ennis brings purpose and heart to his professional life, while dedicating his time outside the office to causes that uplift our city. Whether he’s helping build homes with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity or delivering meals with Open Hand Atlanta, Ennis shows up with care, compassion, and a deep love for community.

We’re excited to celebrate his commitment and the meaningful difference he’s making across Atlanta.

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What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

There are several pressing impact areas facing Atlanta, but the ones closest to my heart are affordable housing, food insecurity, and youth empowerment through education and mentorship. Affordable housing is foundational. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home, yet so many families in Atlanta are being pushed out due to rising costs and gentrification. Through my work with Habitat for Humanity and homebuyer education programs, I’ve seen firsthand how homeownership can change the trajectory of a family’s future — breaking generational cycles of poverty and building equity for years to come. Food insecurity is another urgent challenge. It’s unacceptable that in a city as vibrant as Atlanta, families and seniors still go to bed hungry. That’s why I volunteer with organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Meals on Wheels — because a warm meal is more than nourishment, it’s dignity. And lastly, I care deeply about our youth. I believe when we invest in young people — through tutoring, mentoring, scholarships, and life skills — we’re building the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why I stay engaged in programs that uplift and guide students toward a brighter future. At the heart of it all is love for community — and a belief that we rise by lifting others.

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

What I love most about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Open Hand Atlanta is their unwavering commitment to uplifting lives in our local community. At Habitat, it’s incredible to see how providing safe, affordable housing can transform a family’s future. With Open Hand Atlanta, I deeply value their focus on nutrition and health equity—ensuring that people not only have food, but the right kind of food to support their well-being. I volunteer with both organizations because their missions align with my values, and I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact where it’s needed most.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has deeply enriched both my personal and professional life. Personally, it’s grounded me with a greater sense of purpose and gratitude—it’s a reminder of the power of community and compassion. Professionally, it’s strengthened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. One moment that really touched me was when I meet the homeowners , they are first-time homeowner through Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. They shared that they was the first in her family to own a home, and what that milestone meant for them and her children. Hearing their story reminded me that the work we do through volunteering isn’t just about building houses or delivering meals—it’s about creating hope and opportunity for generations. That experience continues to inspire how I lead and serve every day.”

“Service isn’t just something I do—it’s a part of who I am. Whether I’m volunteering through Habitat for Humanity, Open Hand Atlanta, or Meals on Wheels, I believe in showing up consistently, with heart and purpose. I’m committed to making a difference—not just in big moments, but in the everyday acts of kindness and care. I also love to encourage those in my circle to make a difference and let their light shine, because we are all placed on this earth to do good, to show love, and to be present for one another. When we lead with compassion, we don’t just build stronger communities—we become better people in the process.”

— Ennis Antoine

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

Through my experience as a volunteer, I’ve gained a wide range of practical skills I never imagined I’d master. I’ve learned how to build a house from the ground up—everything from hanging cabinets and installing siding to painting and finishing details. Beyond the physical skills, I’ve also developed greater patience, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Volunteering has truly been a learning experience that’s built not only homes, but also my confidence and capability.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

One of the most memorable highlights for me was during a build day with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. We were nearing the final stages of the home, and a future homeowner brought their children to see the progress. When I see first-time homebuyers and the look on their faces—filled with joy, pride, and hope—it reminds me why I volunteer. Knowing they’re about to achieve something life-changing, often for the first time in their family’s history, is incredibly moving. It’s in those moments that you realize the true impact of your time and effort. You don’t have to be a professional builder to make a difference—you just have to show up and care.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

Atlanta is home in every sense of the word. What I love most about the city is the energy—it’s a place full of history, culture, opportunity, and heart. I’m a huge Atlanta Braves fan, so you’ll often catch me at Truist Park cheering them on. I’m also a proud foodie—there’s nothing like discovering a great new spot on the BeltLine or grabbing comfort food from a local gem. But more than that, Atlanta is where I’m raising my family. My church, Jackson Memorial, has been a spiritual anchor for us. It’s a place that keeps me grounded and connected to a community of faith and purpose. I’m proud to be raising my kids in a city that offers so much room for growth, learning, and belonging. Atlanta gives us space to dream and the roots to stay grounded—and that’s what makes it so special.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

My advice to anyone interested in volunteering is simple: just start. You don’t have to have special skills or tons of free time—just a willing heart. Find a cause that speaks to you and take that first step. Whether it’s swinging a hammer, delivering meals, mentoring youth, or organizing events, every role makes a difference. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about gaining perspective, building community, and discovering how much impact one person can have. You’ll be surprised how much it fills you up while you’re helping someone else.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

I’ve got a busy and fulfilling month of volunteering ahead in April, and I’d love for others to join me! On Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12, I’ll be participating in a Habitat for Humanity build—there’s nothing like working alongside future homeowners and seeing the progress unfold. On Saturday, April 19, I’ll be delivering meals with Meals on Wheels Atlanta, helping provide nourishment and connection to seniors in our community. Then on Monday, April 14, I’ll be out with Open Hand Atlanta delivering food for those facing food insecurity. Each opportunity is a chance to make a real impact—and there’s always room for more helping hands!