Fighting hunger has been an ongoing problem for many communities nationally. Agencies such as Feeding America and Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB) have dedicated their efforts to combating those insecurities through various resources. Montgomery Area Food Bank’s mission is to combat hunger and food insecurity in 35 of Alabama’s 67 counties. MAFB connects the community with local resources to improve food access and address emergent hunger needs, creating healthier outcomes and greater self-sufficiency.
Food Insecurity & COVID-19
As COVID-19 hit and affected the nation, MAFB realized they would have to adjust to the current crisis. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, MAFB redesigned its Receiving and Distribution plan to distribute food and operate safely.
For the past 10 years, Feeding America has produced local food insecurity data through the Map the Meal Gap (MMG) study. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a threat on people’s lives and livelihoods throughout Alabama.
According to the MAFB website, before the COVID-19 crisis began, more than 37 million people, including more than 11 million children, lived in a food-insecure household. Pre-pandemic data reported food insecurity was at the lowest level since the Great Depression; however, the current pandemic could reverse those numbers.
MAFB stated, “We are confident in our ability to live up to our mission of “Feeding Hope Across Alabama.” Our confidence is buoyed by one additional strength: the support of our community. All of our accomplishments and growth in combating hunger in Alabama have been facilitated by the generous and continued support of our community.”
Partnerships Reduce Hunger
MAFB partners with local churches and organizations such as:
- Hands-on River Region
- U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services
- Family Guidance Center Salvation Army
- FEMA
- American Red Cross
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MAFB provided consistent food assistance for Alabamians. More than 400,000 Alabamians experienced unemployment due to the pandemic.
The Drive-up food distributions, meal delivery to senior citizens, Mobile Pantry, Partner Distribution Organizations, and Child Hunger programs were utilized to meet the needs of those impacted by the pandemic. Through the Partner Distribution Program, MAFB serves 4,058 seniors in the area every month.
In the midst of the pandemic, MAFB partnered with WSFA and Dixie Electric in Montgomery, to assist families with meals during the holidays. Through WSFA and Dixie Electric’s 12 Days of Giving, Montgomery Area Food Bank received donations safely through contactless methods.
According to Al Bloom, MAFB’s Communications Officer, annual distribution increased from 29 million pounds to 31.5 million pounds. In addition to local food donations, MAFB was also awarded a one million dollar grant from the S.L. Gimbel Foundation and a
$35,000 grant from Wells Fargo.
Fighting hunger has been an ongoing problem for many communities nationally. Agencies such as Feeding America and Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB) have dedicated their efforts to combating those insecurities through various resources. Montgomery Area Food Bank’s mission is to combat hunger and food insecurity in 35 of Alabama’s 67 counties. MAFB connects the community with local resources to improve food access and address emergent hunger needs, creating healthier outcomes and greater self-sufficiency.
Food Donations Support The Community
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, MAFB partners have successfully conducted donating events. Alfa Insurance, Alfa Farmers, and the Kiwanis Club of Alabama collected more than 5,400 pounds of food during the 2020 Alabama National Fair. In April alone, MAFB distributed 200,000 pounds more in assistance than in 2019.
In September, Vital Farmers donated 1,440 cases of eggs to MAFB, distributed amongst neighboring cities such as Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Selma, and Dothan. In addition to Vital Farm’s donation, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc donated 280,000 eggs to MAFB and four partnering distribution centers. 14,400 jars of peanut butter from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association were recently donated, along with 11,520 gallons of milk through the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
MAFB And TWC Collaborate For Healthy Food Access
Through the REACH program, the Wellness Coalition recently assisted Faith Crusades Montgomery Rescue Mission, a partnering organization of MAFB, with the resources needed to provide food access to their communities.
Our nutrition strategy is dedicated to providing healthy food access to communities in the 42 census tracts of Macon, Montgomery, and Lowndes County. Through this partnership, The Wellness Coalition and MAFB have successfully and positively impacted families in those communities.
MAFB accepts donations through local churches, schools, businesses, and clubs through the annual fund and food drives.
Volunteers Are Vital
MAFB receives volunteers from all over Alabama to assist with donations and distributions. The month of April is dedicated to volunteers, where the agency recognizes individuals as well as businesses.
In 2020, Publix Super Markets was recognized as Group Montgomery Area Food Bank Volunteer(s) of the Year. Publix Leadership has also donated five million dollars to Feeding America network food banks within the last two years. According to MAFB, they donated one million dollars at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and another one million dollars later on.