Russell Wilson and Ciara are expanding their philanthropic footprint with a major investment in hunger relief in Atlanta.
According to BET, the couple announced a $500,000 donation through their Why Not You Foundation to support food access initiatives across the city, with a focus on underserved neighborhoods in southwest Atlanta.
The announcement was made at Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church, where Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined Ciara—an Atlanta native—to mark the contribution at the Atlanta Cares Hub.
The funding will be distributed to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and ATL Cares, two organizations that serve as the city’s primary emergency food distribution networks.
“This donation means more meals and food for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to eat,” Mayor Dickens said at the event. “It gives families a little bit of breathing room during this time of the year.”
According to Atlanta Community Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Waide, the $500,000 contribution is expected to provide more than 1 million meals across the metro Atlanta area. The funds are intended to support both immediate food distribution and broader hunger relief efforts during a period when demand typically increases.
Ciara spoke directly about the urgency behind the initiative, emphasizing the impact of food insecurity on children and families. “One in six children goes to bed hungry, and that has to change,” she said. “Our hope is that the gift of nourishment and security will empower more youth and families across Atlanta to reach for their dreams and lead each day with the ‘Why Not You’ attitude.”
The Atlanta donation follows another significant recent contribution from Wilson and Ciara. The couple also pledged $3 million to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York City.
That funding is earmarked for the creation and expansion of therapeutic play areas and creative arts spaces for pediatric patients, as well as upgrades to a child-only common area known as “The Zone,” designed to give young patients a space free from clinical activity.
Wilson has shared that his involvement with children’s health initiatives is deeply personal, shaped by family experiences with long-term hospital care. Through regular visits and ongoing support, the Mount Sinai partnership reflects a continued commitment to pediatric well-being beyond financial contributions alone.
In addition to large-scale donations, the Why Not You Foundation continues to benefit from smaller, ongoing fundraising efforts. Wilson recently launched a Cameo account offering personalized video messages, with 3% of proceeds directed to the foundation.
Founded in 2014, the nonprofit focuses on education, children’s health, and initiatives to combat poverty and hunger.
