State Farm Arena usually belongs to basketball, but for one day it belonged to volunteers in hairnets. The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm held their sixth annual Million Meal Pack at the downtown arena, and more than 5,000 people turned out to fill bags of food for neighbors across metro Atlanta.
In all, the crowd packed 1,002,402 meals, clearing the event's namesake goal. The packing was done with support from U.S. Hunger.
Who showed up
The volunteer roster read like a cross-section of the city: families, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations. Hawks players Kingston Flemings, Asa Newell, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Wilson worked alongside them, as did executives from both the team and State Farm.
A number of familiar local faces joined in too. U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Atlanta City Council President Marci Overstreet and Councilmember Matt Westmoreland were on hand, along with Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and musical artist Pastor Troy.
Why the team keeps doing it
Alexis Roe, the Hawks' vice president of community impact, said the significance of the event has grown along with its size. By her count, one in eight people and one in six children in the team's metro Atlanta service area do not know where their next meal is coming from. She pointed out that food insecurity affects more than an empty stomach, because it can touch nutrition and a person's ability to reach their academic, athletic and personal potential. In her view, this year's pack mattered even more than past ones.
Rick Whitted, president and CEO of U.S. Hunger, described the collaboration among the Hawks, State Farm and the community as a long-term investment in Atlanta. He also noted that many households seeking food help today include people who are employed and insured but still struggle to make ends meet. An event like this, he said, provides food discreetly while drawing attention to those economic pressures.
Elizabeth Letsky, director of corporate responsibility for State Farm, said the energy of the day is especially meaningful because volunteers consistently show up eager to make a difference.
Six years of growth
Across its six editions, the Million Meal Pack has brought together roughly 26,000 volunteers and passed six million meals packed. Each year it turns State Farm Arena into something closer to a giant community kitchen for the day.
For anyone who wants to pitch in at a future pack, the Hawks' community announcements are the place to watch.
Source: Atlanta Daily World, September 26, 2026.
