Food Bank of North Alabama Witnessing Increased Need Among Community
Increase in Demand for Services Prompt Food Bank to Seek Donations and Volunteers
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Amid growing economic hardship and swell in population, the Food Bank of North Alabama has witnessed a significant surge in need for its services. The organization which was essentially established to aid struggling families secure adequate food, is unfortunately feeling the pinch.
According to Feeding America, hunger plagues over 44 million people countrywide. Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama, has pointed out that alongside the growth of Huntsville city, there is a parallel increase in hunger rates. “You never know who is struggling to put food on their plate every day”, says Schofield, remarking on the invisible crisis that many families are silently enduring.
Schofield Highlights Critical Summer Period
The startling reality of food insecurity becomes vividly apparent during the school holidays. The typical meals usually serviced by school programs are missing, leading to added strain on household food budgets. “While you have some summer meal programs carrying on, there aren’t nearly as many as there used to be, so families are now trying to work out their meals”, Schofield noted.
“The sudden uptick in the number of meals now required at home can be truly devastating for a food budget”, she added, emphasizing the harsh reality that many families face during these months when their children are home from school.
Food Bank Seeking Assistance
As the organization grapples with the rising need, it’s making a concerted call for donations and volunteers. The Food Bank urges community members to assist in whatever capacity they can, so that the rising demand for their services can be met.
‘Donate or Volunteer to Help’
No contribution is too small for the Food Bank of North Alabama. Anyone interested in lending a hand can donate food items or their time for volunteering. The organization is calling upon the wider community to partake in this pivotal initiative, in a bid to alleviate the struggle and hardship being experienced by many families in North Alabama.
