Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/292122
5 PowerofGood.com | 2014 Vol. 1 T Food insecurity THESOUTH HAS LONG BEEN REVERED FOR its cuisine. Celebrated across the nation in cookbooks, restaurants, magazines and film, it is no secret that Southerners know the importance food plays in our lives, our society and our culture. Or do we? For many Alabamians, food has a different meaning: It is not a certainty in daily living. Hunger in Alabama is much more common than many are aware, affecting urban, sub- urban and rural areas alike. In 2013, Alabama was ranked the second hungriest state in the nation, with 19.5 percent of residents and 22.5 percent of children classified as food inse- cure. e Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is at work to put food on the table for these people. "Food insecurity is a term used for people who don't always have access to food," explains Brooke McKinley, development and community engagement director for the Food Bank. Founded in 1982, the Food Bank's mission is to serve people in need by securing and storing surplus food and household items and distributing them through local partnering service agencies. Originally funded by a grant from the Greater Birmingham Foundation, the organization began serving three counties: Jefferson, Shelby and Walker. e Food Bank partners with local agencies as a way to reach more people and has grown to serve 12 counties: Blount, Calhoun, Volunteers unload a produce delivery to Grace Episcopal, a Community Food Bank of Central Alabama partner that serves the Woodlawn community. The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama takes an 'all-hands-on-deck approach' to feeding the hungry. S T O R Y B Y A L L I S O N W E S T L A K E FOOD continued on page 6 PHOTO PROVIDED BY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK