When the world came to a standstill in March 2020, Jennifer Barnes, Sonia Simon, and Erin Olivier refused to sit idly by. Instead, they turned the chaos of a global pandemic into an opportunity to uplift their Sandy Springs neighbors. What began as a small gesture of kindness—a plan to help feed ten families for 2 weeks—has grown into a lifeline for hundreds in the community, known as Solidarity Sandy Springs.
In just under two weeks after Atlanta’s Covid shutdown, Barnes, Simon, and Olivier had assembled a team of 15 volunteers, sourced enough food to feed 60 families, and set up a temporary pantry in a local restaurant. On their first day of operation, the demand outstripped their supply, leaving 30 families still waiting in line when the food ran out. Determined to help, the group rallied overnight and returned the next day with enough food for 105 families. Thus, Solidarity Sandy Springs was born.
Nearly five years later, this grassroots effort has grown into a well-organized operation that supports an average of 750-800 shoppers every week, each feeding 4-5 family members. In 2024 alone, the organization distributed over an astounding 1.2 million pounds of food.
Located at 6315 Roswell Road, behind the Sandy Springs Trader Joe’s, the pantry emphasizes health-conscious offerings, ensuring there are 10-15 items of fresh produce weekly. The only requirement to shop? Proof of residence or employment in Sandy Springs.
The pantry is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For emergencies outside of those hours, a structure on-site—donated by a local Girl Scout troop—provides 24/7 access to essential items.
Stories of Transformation
Beyond providing food, Solidarity Sandy Springs is a beacon of hope for individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. One of these heartwarming stories involves a homeless man who turned his life around with the organization’s support. He was a regular shopper at the pantry whom they knew well by name, and one day he asked them for help. They were able to help him secure temporary housing and a job at a nearby country club. He purchased a bicycle for transportation. Today, he works full-time at a large grocery store, has his own home, and volunteers regularly at the pantry—completing the circle of giving. Barnes relays that Solidarity has several steady volunteers who are former shoppers.
“These stories are what keep us going,” says Barnes. “Seeing people’s lives improve is the ultimate reward.”
Expanding Their Mission
While the pantry remains the heart of Solidarity Sandy Springs, the organization has branched out to address other community needs. They host events such as children’s shopping days, where kids can select holiday gifts for their families. Barnes loves to see the joy the children get from giving as well as receiving.
Solidarity Sandy Springs runs 2 monthly pop-ups, at the Dorothy Benson Complex, a multi-purpose center for seniors, and the Sterling Place Apartments, HUD subsidized housing. “When we reached out to Sterling Place, we learned their greatest need was cleaning supplies,” Barnes recalls. “So, for Valentine’s Day, we delivered bags of cleaning products.”
Solidarity also provides back-to-school backpacks and has partnered with one local hospital to offer health screenings. Barnes dreams of larger health initiatives but acknowledges that their primary focus will always be food.
The Power of Community
For Barnes, the rewards go beyond the tangible. “Knowing we’ve lifted a load for people, taken away stress, and created joy—that’s what it’s all about,” she says. “That, and making lives better… not only for shoppers, but also for volunteers.” Barnes says she loves seeing the meaningful impact that volunteering has on people because, after all, our communities are dependent upon everyone pitching in where they can.
Solidarity Sandy Springs is proof of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and determination. As Barnes puts it, “Just say “Yes”, people are built for more. They want to help.” She adds, “If you set it up, people are into it.”
Whether by donating food, volunteering time, or simply spreading the word, Solidarity Sandy Springs invites everyone to join in making a difference. Together, they are creating lasting change within our community.
