The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama operates as a food distribution center. We purchase food from industry sources, and we receive surplus food reclaimed from local grocery stores. (We also welcome food donations from the community!) In turn, we distribute that food to over 255 nonprofits in the community who act as our agency partners. The agencies receive food from the Community Food Bank and distribute that food to those in need, free of charge.
We do not distribute food directly from our facility, but we operate a number of public food distributions, called Mobile Pantries, which we host around our 12-county area. When we identify a gap, either geographically or demographically, that leaves specific populations vulnerable to hunger, we operate direct meal programs that foster healthy food access for those at risk of hunger. You can find these distributions on the calendar on our Find Food page.
The Community Food Bank provides food in 12 counties across Central Alabama:
Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Walker, and Winston.
Do you volunteer for the Community Food Bank? Some companies will even donate to us (a Volunteer Grant) in return for your time!
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is committed to closing the Meal Gap. Learn more about what our neighbors need, and how to help.
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is rising to meet this need, but we need your help. We are in need of volunteers and donations, but the best way to help us is through financial support. We are able to stretch each dollar to feed four people. Through your direct donations, we can reach more people. Any amount helps. You can donate using the link below, or mail a check to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, PO Box 55029, Birmingham, AL 35255.
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is actively monitoring developments related to COVID-19. We are taking proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and clients as we continue to serve our community. All associated with the Food Bank’s activity are encouraged to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and Alabama Department of Public Health. We are taking necessary precautions to help make sure that our food remains safe, our staff remains healthy, and that our distributions can continue.
With the impact of COVID-19, we adapted to fit the community’s needs. In 2020, we impacted over 428 thousand unique individuals, a drastic increase over the 189 thousand served in 2019. We shifted to primarily using a “truck to trunk” mobile pantry distribution method that has proven safe and effective, something paramount in importance to our community, staff, and volunteers.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Donating to Food Banks During COVID-19
Need Food? The Community Food Bank provides food for over 259 Partner Agencies (soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, etc.), as well as hosts Mobile Pantry distributions.
To find the closest one to you, click the button below.
Need additional assistance? United Way’s 211 services can help you find any type of assistance that you need, whether it is food, shelter, clothing, utility assistance, and more. If you are in the Birmingham area and need assistance, dial 2-1-1 for United Way’s Referral Line, or if you have internet access, you can reach the guided referral system below.
