Hunger is a Solvable Problem
In light of the many efforts of local food banks and non-profit organizations to provide food to vulnerable citizens, we would like to share information about best practices for operating food distribution centers.
Please consult the following resources for considerations and recommendations:
The Link has been taking the lead in Cullman County to make sure residents have access to food during COVID-19 social distancing measures. In addition to organizing food pick-up opportunities for their community, they are collaborating with local restaurants to provide meals to residents.
May 25th – Milo’s will be giving away 100 free boxed meals to anyone from 10:30 am till noon (or as long as supplies last) at
The Link of Cullman County, 708 9th Street SE, Cullman, AL 35055
Check out the Cullman Tribune article about their efforts here!
The United States Department of Agriculture will allow schools across Alabama to continue feeding students during the state-mandated coronavirus closures.
Congressman Robert Aderholt tweeted Sunday that USDA approved a waiver of a provision in the National School Lunch Act to allow the schools to continue feeding students.
Aderholt said the waiver is in effect immediately and lasts until June 30.
During the short-term closure of Alabama schools until April 6 due to COVID-19 precautions, students in need of breakfast and lunch can receive them free at sites across the state.
Visit www.breakforaplate.com to find locations providing this service throughout the state.
The coronavirus pandemic will strain Alabama’s health care system and economy in unprecedented ways. On Alabama Arise’s blog, Executive Director, Robyn Hyden, writes about seven policy changes that would help ensure the most vulnerable Alabamians have the medical care, social supports and other protections they need to weather the crisis. Read more here: https://www.alarise.org/blog-posts/covid-19-7-policy-changes-that-would-help-protect-alabamians/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=3a24cc1f-efcb-4234-a7d3-d2d1bcdbe46b
ECHA wants to make sure our stakeholders and friends in the “trenches” of hunger know which areas are in need of resources. We hope to continue to bring information to highlight not only what is being done, but areas of our state that are in need of more assistance.
Using the information from a recent AL.com article, we mapped the school districts that are providing meals to students (seen here in turquoise) over the various counties in Alabama. We hope to update this map (and others) with information as we receive it, adding the efforts of various non-profit organizations and others who are making sure Alabama children and families are not going without access to food.
No Kid Hungry is offering real time funding and assistance for schools and community organizations that are making sure kids have access to the meals they need as schools close due to coronavirus. No Kid Hungry is providing emergency grants to support these local efforts like home delivered meals, grab and go meals programs, school and community pantries, backpack programs, and other steps to help reach children and families who lose access to meals. We’re providing $1 million in emergency grants on a rolling basis.
If your organization needs funding to support these efforts, please submit your interest in receiving emergency grant funds: https://www.nokidhungry.org/coronavirus-grant-request
AL.Com is making sure that individuals throughout the state are aware of local school districts’ efforts to feed students who may not have reliable access to food when they are unable to attend school. Visit their comprehensive listing here:
Since its inception, ECHA leadership has provided a platform for key state leaders to convene, collaborate, and multiply best practices. And, ECHA leadership is committed to providing these integral activities as ECHA stakeholders ensure every child in Alabama has access to nutritious foods in response to COVID-19.
We will frequently update this page with resources in order to equip our partners to take action, partner together, and identify areas of need in our community as we work together to make sure every child in Alabama is fed during these uncertain times.
If you are an Alabama organization providing food or resources to children and families who are at-risk of hunger and you would like your activities to be featured on this page, please email us at hsi@auburn.edu.