In the spring of 2020, a small group of friends turned their hunger to help into something extraordinary.
“It started simply as making sandwiches, socially distant but connected in friendship and purpose, in a garage,” says Marcy Louza, co-founder of The Sandwich Project (TSP). The initiative began as a grassroots effort to combat food insecurity in Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As the number of sandwiches started to increase, relationships with nonprofits were established, and today, we continue to grow through volunteer leadership, sandwich makers, and others who help deliver sandwiches," Louza explained.
Volunteers of all ages—families, schools, civic groups, and scout troops—“spread” kindness by making sandwiches and dropping them off at one of more than 30 weekly collection points, including in Roswell. TSP’s volunteer transportation system delivers sandwiches, fresh fruit, and healthy snacks to nonprofits serving those in need. To date, over 1.6 million sandwiches have been served, showing that small actions, when stacked together, can solve big problems.
“This may not seem like a lot, but to the family in an extended-stay motel or the unhoused person unsure of their next meal, a sandwich made with love makes a huge difference,” Louza said.
Hunger Free America reports that over 22% of children in Georgia live in food-insecure households, and rising grocery and housing costs have only made the situation worse.
Roswell is a valued contributor, adding about 1,500 sandwiches weekly with support from individuals and organizations like Roswell Presbyterian Church and Stella Love.
TSP also does special collections when a need arises. Volunteers have collected winter gear, calculators, and hygiene products. Whether it's hurricane relief or providing warm coats, TSP proves that when everyone chips in, we can make a real difference.
“We’ve learned that when we ask, people deliver!” Louza added.
Want to join the movement? Visit thesandwichproject.org or follow on Facebook.