How local and state organizations are tackling food insecurities in central Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Local, state and national organizations are working tirelessly to bridge the food insecurity gap in central Alabama.

A recent study from Feeding America says the number of meals needed to close the meal gap is over 44 million.

Hundreds of thousands of people are facing food insecurities here in central Alabama, and at the local level, 1-in-6 people and 1-in-5 children experience food insecurities.

In partnership with Feeding America, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is constantly looking at how to get more food into counties to help these families.

“The great thing about the food bank is that we don’t do this work alone, we partner with almost 350 other nonprofit organizations right here 12 counties in central Alabama to get this work done,” said CEO Nicole Williams.

In addition to their efforts, Asbury United Methodist Church is making a change to their food pantry service.

“We are thrilled to say that we are now open every 1st Saturday of the month from 12:30 to 2. We have bags prepared and depending on the size of your family we give you as much food as you need,” said director of communications Amy Gonzalez.

This is on top of their already successful year-round food pantry service they offer on Wednesdays.

“And then on Wednesdays, if folks can come on Wednesday they get to come in and do shopping entirely on their own and they can choose from a variety of more than 25 items,” Gonzalez said.

That variety includes canned meats, fruits, and nonperishable items.

“We knew there were people in our area struggling with food insecurity, families who were struggling with food insecurity, people who have full time jobs that come to us and say I need help feeding my family,” said Gonzalez.

By now offering double the service, they hope to help those facing food insecurity and expand their reach.

For more information on donating, volunteering or accessing the food pantry services from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, tap or click here. For information from Asbury Church, tap or click here.

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