Community Partners

Collaboration is an important part of our work, and our partners in the community are essential as we advance our shared goals. The GRA is proud to partner with all kinds of organizations around the state that work to enhance the lives of Georgians.

Atlanta Community Food Bank

The mission on the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) is to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering its community - bringing food to 29 metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties.

ACFB serves over 600 nonprofit partner agencies in 29 metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties. One hundred-twenty additional counties benefit from the distribution of food and products from six other food banks in the state that, along with ACFB, comprise the Georgia Food Bank Association.

The Georgia Restaurant Association supports ACFB's initiatives to feed the hungry throughout Georgia. The GRA is able to get involved with ACFB through the following opportunities: Hunger Walk/Run that occurs annually in March, donating a portion of the proceeds from the GRACE Awards Gala, food can drives and more.

Learn more about ACFB


Business & Immigration for Georgia (BIG) Partnership

The BIG Partnership is a statewide partnership of Georgia business and civic leaders committed to strengthening Georgia’s economy by tapping the potential of the state’s New Americans.

Learn more about The BIG Partnership


Children of Restaurant Employees ​

Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) is a program that supports the children of food and beverage employees who are navigating life-altering circumstances and conditions. 

Since 2004, CORE has raised more than $4 million and granted support to more than 500 families from across the industry and the country. Contributions from our COREporate Members and individual donors allow CORE to provide grants that keep our families safe, healthy, and happy.

Learn more about CORE


Georgia Department of Economic Development

​The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partners with the GRA to bring more More than 12,000 restaurants across the state can be found on the state’s premier tourism website, ExploreGeorgia.org.

Learn more about the GDEcD


Georgia Mountain Food Bank

​Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s (GMFB) mission is to address hunger, health and quality of life by serving those in need. An affiliate of ACFB, they provide a link between sources of food supplies and partner agencies who help get food into the hands of those in need.

Learn more about GMFB


Georgia Grown

Georgia Grown aids agricultural economies by bringing together producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism and consumers in one powerful, statewide community. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program helps promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers.​

Learn more about Georgia Grown


Giving Kitchen

Giving Kitchen (GK) provides financial assistance to food service workers, based on financial need and a defined set of criteria, through their Crisis Grants. GK also created a referral program to serve as a connection to social services for restaurant workers called Stability Network.

Learn more about GK


Second Helpings atlanta

Second Helpings Atlanta is a non-profit food rescue organization whose mission is to eliminate hunger in the Metro Atlanta area by rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in need. With a team of nearly 450+ Volunteer drivers, SHA serves as the link between a network of 85+ Food Donors and more than 50+ Partner Agencies providing food assistance and other services.

Learn more about Second Helpings Atlanta


Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day.

Dine Out for No Kid Hungry is a year-round, restaurant-led campaign to raise funds so that every child gets every meal, every day. Participation is FREE, activation is EASY, and success is REAL for your business - and for kids.​

Learn more about Share Our Strength


Small Business Development Center | University of Georgia

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as one of Georgia’s top providers of small business assistance, the SBDC has 18 offices ranging from Rome to Valdosta to serve the needs of Georgia’s business community. Since 1977, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Small Business Development Center, a Public Service and Outreach Extension of The University of Georgia, is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.

Learn more about Georgia SBDC


TEAM Georgia​

TEAM Georgia's mission is to encourage safe and sober driving to reduce transportation crashes, injuries and fatalities. The Georgia Restaurant Association is a sponsor of TEAM Georgia's Safe Holiday Program in March for St. Patrick's Day and during the holidays in December.

These campaigns draw on support from the hospitality industry to promote responsible celebrations for the season. The Safe Holiday Campaign involves area bars and restaurants to display the Safe Holiday Guide, offer a free non-alcoholic drink to designated drivers, and inform patrons about free rides home.

Learn more about TEAM Georgia


Wholesome Wave Georgia

Wholesome Wave Georgia believes that all Georgians in need should have access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food choices.

In Georgia, over 1.4 million people are considered food-insecure and receive federal nutrition assistance including SNAP benefits. The high cost and low accessibility of fresh foods leave these households with limited options to feed their families. Food insecurity is linked to poverty, obesity, and other diet-related illnesses. The effect of food insecurity on America’s families is evident: approximately 65% of adults and 34% of children (ages 2 to 19) are overweight or obese.

Wholesome Wave Georgia encourages us to rethink the cost, accessibility, and affordability of fresh, nutritious foods in our state. Our mission is to increase access to and awareness of healthy food choices for all Georgians in need through local farmers and community partners.

Learn more about Wholesome Wave Georgia