C.H.O.I.C.E.S (Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully) is a nonprofit resource center for children (and their parents) who are clinically diagnosed and/or at-risk children of obesity. Over the last 19 years, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. has delivered their message of health to more than 100,000 children and adults through cooking classes, workshops, summer camps, health expos and mobile food pantries.

We recently caught up with C.H.O.I.C.E.S. to learn about their commitment to fighting childhood obesity and serving low-income families and families that live in food deserts in Atlanta.

What is the problem you are solving? Why do you feel like your service is important?  

With our mobile food panties, including our “Food Box Thursdays,” we are doing our part to assist with the hunger crisis within the Atlanta community. We focus on distributing healthy food options to families and seniors that include fresh produce and groceries. 

During the height of COVID in 2020, we were able to help over 16,000 people within the Atlanta community by providing food baskets to all families.

How has the pandemic affected your nonprofit? Have your services changed?  

Because of the pandemic, we have had to close our Community Teaching Kitchen located in downtown Atlanta where we offer free healthy cooking classes for low-income families with children at risk for obesity. We had to pivot to a virtual platform for all our cooking programs while the kitchen is closed.

How has your partnership with Hands On Atlanta contributed to the success of your organization?  

Our partnership with Hands On Atlanta has helped expand the outreach territory of our organization. The exposure to more families and volunteers has been extremely valuable.

Do you have any upcoming projects that potential volunteers can sign up for?

Currently, we are looking for volunteer chefs and children’s book authors for our snack & story timeseries.

How and where can people donate supplies?  

Email: info@choicesforkids.org or call us at 678-819-3663 to find out what supplies we are in need of.