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More neighbors are looking at a long + hungry winter—7 ways you can help food banks in Birmingham
COVID cases, unemployment and loss of family members all combine to mean more of our neighbors in the Greater Birmingham Area are facing a long and hungry winter. Food banks play a critical role in helping many people continue to eat. This holiday season, you can make a difference in your community by helping one of these organizations. Keep reading to find out how.
1. United Way’s 2-1-1 is the perfect starting point
If you or someone you love needs help of any kind this winter, 2-1-1 is the perfect place to start. Trained volunteers will take your call 24/7 and help point you in the right direction.
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2. If you want to give, here’s what helps local food banks the most
According to FeedingAmerica.org, there are certain actions you can take that really help when it comes to donating to food banks during COVID.
- Give money—this allows the organization to put the money where they need it most.
- Ask what your local food bank needs—whether it’s peanut butter, canned meats or something else, you won’t know if you don’t ask.
- Start a virtual food drive—get the people in your world to help raise money for your local food drive because 👆🏼 see #1 above.
- Donate your time—not only will you help others, you’ll also give yourself a mood boost.
3. Two big organizations serve as a hub for food banks in our region
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
- Find a mobile pantry that meets your needs
- Donate to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
- Volunteer
Alabama Food Bank Association
- Search the Alabama Food Bank Association for a food bank near you
- Support the Alabama Food Bank Association
4. Junior League of Birmingham is working hard on food insecurity
Whether you need help or want to give help, you’ll find them on their website or on Facebook. They have a lot of different ways you can do either one.
- Fighting food insecurity + more in the face of COVID-19—Birmingham takes the lead
- BackPack Buddies feeds over 1000 kids facing food insecurity each year + how you can help
5. Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) is working hard to help feed people
According to Rev. Carolyn Foster, GBM, distributes food monthly.
When: 3rd Friday of each month beginning at 6:30AM
Who: 1st come 1st served for 120 families
Where: 2304 12th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35234
How: drive-through only, per CDC guidelines
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | (205) 326-6821
6. Meals on Wheels feeds area seniors
If you haven’t noticed by now, United Way does a lot of good in our community. Meals on Wheels is one of their many low-cost, high impact programs.
7. Many organizations are working to support Birmingham’s Spanish-speaking population
The pandemic is impacting our Spanish-speaking residents in some pretty specific—and not great—ways. Fortunately, there are some fantastic groups out there providing assistance.
If you or someone you know is a Spanish-speaker, call 1-844-AYUDA-AL for help with anything COVID-19 related, including healthcare, rent, utilities, food, immigration assistance, domestic violence, etc.
Find out more, including how you can help:
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Together, we can get through this pandemic. This holiday season, if you can, give to any organization helping to feed our neighbors.
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