ATLANTA -

In response to tremendous area need, AutoTrader.com is teaming up with Georgia Best Chevy dealerships, the Atlanta Braves and pitching legend John Smoltz to orchestrate “Drive Away Hunger.”

The four-week campaign that began Wednesday is aimed to assist the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which provides nearly 60,000 people with emergency food each week through a network of more than 700 nonprofit partner agencies.

AutoTrader.com wants to help to bring attention to the cause in metro Atlanta and north Georgia by raising funds and collecting food donations for the ACFB.

Now through Sept. 10, consumers can donate cans of food to local, participating Atlanta-area Chevrolet dealerships. Consumers who bring 10 cans of food to these dealerships will receive a voucher for a free ticket to the Braves’ game on Sept. 16 versus the New York Mets.

Additionally, consumers can test drive new Chevrolet cars at these participating dealerships, and for every test drive, AutoTrader.com will donate $10.

Anyone who test-drives a new car will also have a chance to register to win a VIP experience at the Sept. 16 game, which will include a suite at Turner Field and an on-field experience prior to the game.

“AutoTrader.com is proud to sponsor the ‘Drive Away Hunger’ program for the second consecutive year,” stated AutoTrader.com director of community relations Michele Blondheim.

“We have always been committed to making a difference in communities across the country, and we are happy to do our part in driving away hunger,” Blondheim continued.

“By partnering with the Braves, long-time Braves pitcher John Smoltz and local Chevrolet dealers, we hope to build on the successful 2010 program with even more awareness and donations this year,” she went on to say.

AutoTrader.com emphasized community food banks across the country continue to report a rise in demand for food and a struggle to meet the need at a time when support — particularly from government sources — is projected to decline in the future. The site is a long-time partner of the ACFB and saw this dynamic last year. So officials created the “Drive Away Hunger” program to help fill that critical gap.

“I’m honored to join AutoTrader.com, Chevrolet dealers and the Braves to give back to the community that gave me so much during my proud career here in Atlanta,” noted former Atlanta Braves pitcher and “Drive Away Hunger” spokesperson John Smoltz.

“I’ve always been taken by the sense of togetherness in this city, and I know residents will band together to support this worthy cause.” Smoltz added.

When the program culminates at Turner Field on Sept. 16 before the Braves game, collection food bins will be placed in front of the stadium and representatives from AutoTrader.com, participating Chevrolet dealers and the Braves will announce the final collection tally and award the financial donation to the ACFB.

“We are so pleased to partner with AutoTrader.com once again for this important effort,” stated Bill Bolling, executive director of the ACFB.

“Times continue to be challenging for many Georgians and the need for food assistance is still growing,” Bolling continued.

“We’re grateful to AutoTrader.com, area Chevrolet dealerships, the Atlanta Braves and John Smoltz for their support and look forward to what’s sure to be a very impactful program,” he went on to say.

Last year’s “Drive Away Hunger” campaign raised tens of thousands of dollars and collected over 11,500 pounds of food for the Atlanta area, according to AutoTrader.com.

The program was extended from two weeks to four weeks this year.

For official rules, terms and conditions, more information and participating dealerships, visit www.autotrader.com/driveawayhunger.