Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Description

In 1981 a small group of committed volunteers worked side by side the United Way of Central Alabama and the Greater Birmingham Foundation to open the Community Food Bank’s doors. In our early years, we focused solely on feeding neighbors in need of emergency food. In 2016, our Board of Directors took the bold step to broaden our mission and also address hunger’s root causes. Now we take a two-pronged approach to solving hunger.

We accomplish this mission by supplying millions of meals per year to over 250 food pantries, shelters and children’s programs in 12 counties in Central Alabama. Our aim is to ensure people in need can access emergency food near where they live. When we identify a gap in this network that leaves specific populations vulnerable to hunger, we operate direct meal programs. For example, we provide fresh produce and groceries to seniors, children at risk of hunger during school breaks, patients facing chronic illness, first-time mothers and others in need. For easy access, we deliver to key locations like schools, senior housing facilities, medical clinics and more.

The Community Food Bank also incubates social enterprises that promote nutrition, prevents wholesome food from going to waste and tests new initiatives that go beyond charity to create healthy food access for all.