Our Favorite Atlanta Food Organizations

October 27, 2025

At Avalon Catering, our love of food goes beyond what’s on the plate; it’s about the people, the farmers, and the organizations that make our local food community thrive.

Atlanta is home to so many incredible food organizations that are working to nourish, educate, and uplift our communities. In this post, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of our favorite organizations that inspire us, make our city stronger, and remind us why we love being part of Atlanta’s food scene.

From fighting hunger and supporting food service workers to advocating for farmers and sustainable practices, these groups are shaping the future of food in our city. Read on to learn more!

Our Favorite Atlanta Food Organizations

Slow Food Atlanta

Celebrating good, clean, and fair food for all in our community

The snail in this organization’s logo stands as a clear reminder of its values and purpose.

The Slow Food Network was founded in Italy in 1986 to “prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life, and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us.”

30+ years later, Slow Food has grown into a global movement across 160+ countries. Our city’s local chapter, Slow Food Atlanta, is a member-supported nonprofit that unites people around quality, sustainable, and fair food.

Through a variety of initiatives, Slow Food Atlanta educates our community about supporting local farmers, artisans, and markets; advocates for biodiversity and sustainable food relationships; and creates spaces to celebrate food traditions. Slow Food Atlanta is also committed to advancing Food Justice, Food Access, and Land Justice – inviting others to join in building a healthier, more connected food community.

Les Dames d'Escoffier: Atlanta Chapter

A philanthropic organization of women leaders in the culinary field

Les Dames d’Escoffier International is comprised of women who are leading the culinary field, from professional chefs and restauranteurs to farmers, event planners, cookbook authors, food publicists, hospitality executives, and other industry professionals.

The Atlanta chapter, LDEI-Atlanta, was founded in 1996 and today connects 145+ members. Among their membership ranks is Avalon Catering’s founder, President & Owner Cathy Conway. As a member, Cathy leads the Avalon Catering team in our involvement with this outstanding organization!

The Atlanta Dames are dedicated to supporting and advancing the role of women in the culinary arts through mentorship, education, and community outreach. Their commitment to excellence and generosity aligns perfectly with Avalon’s values of collaboration, sustainability, and giving back to the community that has supported us for more than three decades.

Community Farmers Markets

Healthy food, sustainable ecosystems, and living wage working conditions

Since 2011, Community Farmers Markets (CFM) has led the way in creating efficiently-managed, community-based, sustainable farmers markets around metro Atlanta.

This is the team behind some of our city’s most beloved markets – including the Grant Park Farmers Market, Oakhurst Farmers Market, Decatur Farmers Market, East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, and other pop-up events.

As part of their goal to make healthy food accessible, all Community Farmers Markets accept SNAP/EBT (food stamps) – and CFM will match the amount! As CFM puts it, “When you spend $10 of EBT, you get $20 worth of fresh, local food.” It’s a win-win for our community members and farmers, made possible in partnership with another Atlanta-based food nonprofit, Wholesome Wave Georgia.

Giving Kitchen

Helping food service workers through financial assistance, mental health and substance use recovery initiatives, referrals, and more

Giving Kitchen is a unique nonprofit that provides emergency support to food service workers facing unexpected crises.

For over a decade, they’ve offered financial assistance and connected individuals with essential community resources, helping to prevent homelessness, alleviate anxiety and depression, and support the families of people working in restaurants, catering businesses, coffee shops, and other food-related industries.

By addressing the urgent needs of food service professionals, Giving Kitchen ensures that the people who feed our communities have the safety net and stability they deserve. Their inspiring work resonates deeply with Avalon Catering’s commitment to nurturing our local food community and the people behind it.

Georgia Organics

Building a more resilient and equitable local food movement in Georgia

Georgia Organics is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that connects eaters with local farmers and champions a more sustainable food future.

For 25+ years, Georgia Organics has helped strengthen the state’s organic farming community through education, advocacy, and programs that make fresh, locally grown food more accessible.

Their work supports small farms, protects Georgia’s agricultural heritage, and inspires chefs and caterers like us to keep sourcing thoughtfully – because good food starts with good farmers.

Atlanta Community Food Bank

On a mission to end hunger in our community

The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) plays a crucial role in fighting hunger across 29 counties in metro Atlanta and North Georgia. The need is great: in fact, ACFB reports that 1 in 6 children in their service areas will go to bed hungry tonight.

By distributing more than 112 million meals each year, ACFB helps bridge this gap and offers families, children, and seniors in our communities access to meals, snacks, and essential groceries.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is the fourth-largest in the nation (by food volume), making a real difference to our neighbors in need and reminding us that together, we can build a stronger community.

Celebrating Community with Every Dish

Investing in local food organizations is a meaningful way to nourish both our community and our city’s culinary future.

From educating residents on sustainable practices to advocating for food access and preserving diverse food cultures, the groups highlighted in this post are creating positive change that benefits all of us.

At Avalon Catering, we share this dedication, crafting menus with the freshest local ingredients and celebrating the farmers, artisans, and organizations behind every dish. Choosing Avalon for your next event means treating your guests to an exceptional dining experience while supporting the initiatives that make Atlanta’s food community thrive.

Events Made Effortless

Make your next gathering delicious, memorable, and hassle-free!

With Avalon Catering on your side, you’ll have an experienced partner with 30+ years of trusted expertise and a reputation for delicious, sustainable, farm-to-table catering. From intimate gatherings to celebrations of 5,000+, our team works hard to ensure your event feels seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.

Ready to start planning? Reach out today to bring your vision to life.