In 2019, Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund partnered to purchase and revitalize 970 Jefferson St. NW, the historic site of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Bill Bolling and John Ahmann played pivotal roles in making this acquisition a reality, turning a shared vision into a success. The two organizations collaborate on managing the facility, with Food Well Alliance overseeing the warehouse and upstairs space, while Westside Future Fund is responsible for maintaining the rest of the building.
Today, 19 nonprofits and local enterprises utilize 970 Jefferson, operating from this revitalized space to collectively contribute to the betterment of the Westside community and beyond, embodying the shared vision that inspired the partnership. We’ve launched a new series, the 970 Partner Spotlight, to highlight each of these incredible organizations and their work. This issue features Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit transforming surplus food into nourishment for communities across Atlanta through an innovative volunteer-driven rescue model.
Rescuing Food, Nourishing Communities
At the intersection of hunger relief and sustainability sits Second Helpings Atlanta, a logistics nonprofit working to bridge the gap between food waste and food insecurity. In their 20 years of operation, Second Helpings Atlanta has rescued over 32 million pounds of food – enough to provide 27 million meals to neighbors in metro Atlanta facing food-insecurity. Operating out of 970 Jefferson Street NW, the organization plays a vital role in feeding communities across metro Atlanta — including the historic Westside — by empowering volunteers to rescue surplus food and deliver it to agencies that serve those in need.
“Our mission is simple,” said Jon McMurdo, Development Specialist at Second Helpings Atlanta. “We build relationships with places that have excess food — ranging from stadiums and grocery stores to restaurants — and deploy volunteers on scheduled routes to pick up and deliver that food to partner agencies.”
The model is designed to let each partner do what they do best: Second Helpings Atlanta handles the logistics of food rescue, while its partner agencies focus on distributing that food to their communities.
A Hub for Connection and Collaboration
Being based at 970 Jefferson has opened new doors for collaboration. A standout example is the organization’s partnership with Retaaza, a fellow 970 Jefferson resident, to launch the Field to Fork program. The initiative supports Georgia farmers by reimbursing them for the costs of growing, harvesting, and transporting surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste — helping keep small Georgia farmers in business while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food for communities in need.
“That program was only possible because we share space at 970,” said McMurdo. “It’s a really special kind of partnership.”
In addition to their partnership with Retaaza, Second Helpings Atlanta also collaborates with fellow 970 Jefferson resident Urban Recipe by sharing their Warehouse Specialist and Driver staff members.
As a logistics-focused organization, Second Helpings Atlanta also benefits from 970 Jefferson’s central location. With many of its food donors and partner agencies located on or near the Westside, the space offers quick access to key routes, especially those running through or near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium — a major food donor since the stadium’s opening in 2017.
“All of the food we rescue from Mercedes-Benz stays right here in the community,” McMurdo shared. “We’re helping them maintain their zero-waste goals while also ensuring that good food isn’t wasted — it’s going to people who need it.”
A Direct Impact on the Westside
Second Helpings Atlanta has built a strong network of partner agencies serving the Westside, enabling it to directly address local food insecurity. Whether it’s a soup kitchen outside a church or a community food pantry, the organization ensures that rescued food is redistributed where it can make the most difference.
While the organization’s reach spans the entire metro area, its presence at 970 Jefferson helps deepen its impact locally. The relationships forged within the building strengthen efforts to serve neighbors right outside the front door.
Looking Ahead
As Second Helpings Atlanta continues to grow its network of donors, volunteers, and partner agencies, it remains committed to solving hunger by solving food waste. Being part of the 970 Jefferson community has proven to be a powerful asset in achieving that mission.
“It’s not just about the space,” said McMurdo. “It’s about the people and the possibilities that come from working alongside others who share a vision for a better Atlanta.”
To learn more about volunteering with Second Helpings Atlanta, visit secondhelpingsatlanta.org.
Learn more about how 970 Jefferson is bringing together a collaborative community of service at 970Jefferson.org.