How Birmingham is responding to potential SNAP benefit disruption

As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Birmingham is preparing a three-part response plan to lessen the impact of lost November SNAP benefits on elders, children and families throughout The Magic City.

Birmingham prepares $1M response for potential SNAP crisis

According to a press release from the City of Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin has asked the Birmingham City Council to commit $1 million from the city to provide support for households at risk of losing November SNAP benefits.

SNAP—an acronym for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program and “provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.”

“Birmingham will not sit around and let our children and families go hungry. We are taking immediate action because we have a moral obligation to take care of the general welfare of our residents. Our focus is on getting help directly to the people who need it most – whatever it takes to keep folks fed and families whole.”  

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin

To help the nearly 23,000 Birmingham households that rely on SNAP from going hungry, the City of Birmingham has launched a three-pronged response plan:

• FUNDING SUPPORT: A $1 million commitment from the City of Birmingham to replace at least a portion of the lost benefits for Birmingham households affected by the shutdown. The funds will be managed by the United Way of Central Alabama, and its subsidiary partners will oversee the distribution of assistance throughout the community.
  • HOW YOU CAN HELP: Contributions to the United Way of Central Alabama are tax-deductible and help provide urgent support to families and local food-assistance providers impacted by hunger.
  • NEED HELP? Anyone impacted by the pause in SNAP benefits or any other crisis can call 211, text ALFOOD to 898211 or visit the United Way of Central Alabama’s online database to find local food resources.
• COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE: The City of Birmingham is partnering with local organizations to launch a community food drive.
  • WHERE: Christian Service Mission, 3600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • WHEN: Monday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 6 | Drop-off hours 7:30AM-4PM
  • WHAT TO BRING: Canned vegetables, meats and fruits; cereals; soups; nutrition bars; oatmeal; boxed foods such as macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and rice; as well as paper products, including toilet paper and paper towels
• RESOURCE CLEARINGHOUSE: The City of Birmingham is coordinating with local partners to connect residents to additional wraparound services and assistance programs available. Monitor www.birminghamal.gov/bhamready for updates.

Additional resources available

In addition to support from the City of Birmingham, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is stepping up to feed those affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits. Here’s how you can help:

• DONATE FUNDS: The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama can stretch a single dollar into four meals, so every bit you can share helps. Click here to learn more and donate.
• DONATE FOOD: Shelf-stable items can be dropped off at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s warehouse.
  • WHERE: 107 Walter Davis Drive in Birmingham, AL
  • WHEN: Monday through Friday | 7:30AM-4PM
• VOLUNTEER: Volunteer opportunities are available Monday-Friday 9-11AM and 1-3PM. Click here to check availability and to register.

Need help? Visit the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s Find Food tool to locate food distributions and meal programs in your area.

Know of additional resources we can share with our audience? Let us know in the comments.