Coordinating food and resource support for families facing hunger across Central Alabama
With the pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits scheduled to begin November 1st, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is working alongside community partners to help families facing hunger access food and essential resources across Central Alabama.
“When support systems pause unexpectedly, it creates an immediate hardship for families already working hard to make ends meet,” said Drew Langloh, President and CEO of United Way of Central Alabama. “With strong partnerships and a shared commitment to helping one another, together we can help fill those gaps so families continue to have access to food and other basic necessities.”
Community Impact
Thousands of households across Alabama rely on SNAP benefits each month to put food on the table. Within UWCA’s service area (Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties), SNAP supports approximately 55,000 households — about one in eight families — in buying groceries. As benefits are paused on the first of November, local food assistance providers are preparing for increased requests for help. Through its 211 telephone helpline and network of community partners, UWCA is coordinating efforts to ensure families have clear information and access to available resources.
United Way’s Action and Response
To meet increased need, UWCA is taking action:
Supporting Local Food-Assistance Providers — Providing emergency grants through UWCA’s Community Crisis Fund to local food-assistance partners and community organizations serving affected households. Grant applications are open at uwca.org/hungercrisis.
Connecting Individuals and Families to Resources — Sharing up-to-date information and referrals for anyone needing assistance with food, utilities, housing and other essentials.
Expanding the 211 Call Center’s Directory of Support — Adding more local food banks, pantries and community organizations that provide services to help families quickly find help as demand rises.
How to Get Help
Anyone experiencing food insecurity or any other crisis can call 211 or visit uwca.org/hungercrisis to find local food pantries and support services. Calls to 211 are free, confidential and available 24/7.
Locating Food Resources
Help seekers can text ALFOOD to 898211 to receive a message with information on accessing local food and other resources based on their ZIP code.
About United Way of Central Alabama
United Way of Central Alabama serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties. Through our many partner agencies, community initiatives and strategic planning, we improve lives and community conditions by providing programs and services that address people’s most critical needs, including hunger relief, early childhood development and education, mental health support and more. For more information, visit www.uwca.org.