In 1981 a small group of committed volunteers worked side by side the United Way of Central Alabama and the Greater Birmingham Foundation to open the Community Food Bank’s doors. In our early years, we focused solely on feeding neighbors in need of emergency food. In 2016, our Board of Directors took the bold step to broaden our mission and also address hunger’s root causes. Now we take a two-pronged approach to solving hunger.
We accomplish this mission by supplying millions of meals per year to over 230 food pantries, shelters and children’s programs in 12 counties in Central Alabama. Our aim is to ensure people in need can access emergency food near where they live. When we identify a gap in this network that leaves specific populations vulnerable to hunger, we operate direct meal programs. For example, we provide fresh produce and groceries to seniors, children at risk of hunger during school breaks, patients facing chronic illness, first-time mothers and others in need. For easy access, we deliver to key locations like schools, senior housing facilities, medical clinics and more.
The Community Food Bank also incubates social enterprises that promote nutrition, prevents wholesome food from going to waste and tests new initiatives that go beyond charity to create healthy food access for all.
Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Walker, and Winston.
Brett Meredith is the CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Most recently, Brett served as Divisional Secretary for Business for The Salvation Army in Texas, where he was responsible for more than 20 employees, multiple departments, and budgets totaling more than $30 million including those for Disaster Responses. A strong leader known for his exceptional attention to detail, he has significant experience running complex nonprofits and establishing and growing strategic community partnerships. Prior to his tenure in Dallas, Texas, he held the positions of Regional Commander in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Regional Commander in Hampton Roads, Virginia; Regional Commander in Kerrville, Texas; and Commander/Corps Officer in Dallas, Texas.
Adrian Anderson has been a SNAP Outreach Coordinator of Central Alabama since June 2014. Over her tenure, she has assisted with the growth and sustainable expansion of the SNAP Outreach program throughout the Central and North Alabama regions. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Humans Service and a Master of Science degree in Social Work. She has participated in seminars and conferences on both the local and national level, advocated for SNAP preservation and expansion, and continually works with community and agency partners to enroll and educate our neighbors in need about benefits that may help them end their cycle of hunger.
David Appleby joined the CFB team in early 2019, managing the grocery store donation program. Now, as Food Safety and Compliance Coordinator, he also oversees our food safety programs and training courses. Before he began his career in food banking, David started a small publishing business. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Management from UAB. Away from work, David enjoys running, grilling, and the outdoors.
Jules Bailey joined the CFB team in May of 2019. As our Healthy Food Access Coordinator, they manage the Corner Market, which is our mobile grocery store that goes to different communities that may not otherwise have access to affordable healthy food. They also coordinate the Double Up Food Bucks program for Alabama, which doubles the amount of money SNAP users can use to buy fresh local produce.
Shalitha Bailey joined the Food Bank team in July 2017 as the Partner Relations Assistant, moved to Volunteer Coordinator, and is now our Community Health and Senior Program Manager. She has experience in management and community engagement along with a B.S. in Public Health from University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout undergraduate Shalitha enjoyed volunteering and exploring the great Magic City. Along the way, she developed a passion for helping those in our community. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at UAB with a focus on health behavior, so that she can expand her knowledge and further her career serving those in need.
Jon Barnacastle is Programs Manager at Community Food Bank. On staff since November 2013, Jon oversees several of the Food Bank’s direct service programs including the Kids Meal Campaign—Weekenders Backpack, Family Market (or “school pantry”), and Summer Meals. Having served in multiple Feeding America capacity-building committees, he is well-versed in best practices shared by food banks across the country in expanding service to vulnerable populations.
Andrea Brown is the Business Manager at the Food Bank. Since joining the crew in 2008, Andrea keeps this ship afloat. Andrea manages accounting, billing, and employee benefits. She also oversees grant funding and donor relations. Her hobbies include antiquing, gardening, and DIY projects on her historical home.
Tommy Mulvaney joined the Food Bank team in July 2019 as our Volunteer Coordinator. He has experience in volunteer management and community engagement with other nonprofits. Tommy has a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Eli Ponder-Twardy is CFBCA’s Program Coordinator. Eli has a background in the arts and academia but came to the Community Food Bank through experiences working in Alabama’s public schools and in community-driven arts initiatives. Eli, a native Alabamaian, completed a Master of Arts at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom as a US-UK Fulbright Scholar in 2016. Eli completed a thesis project on ‘Community Building’ and its implications for arts organizational practices in Leeds, UK. The impetus for this research and term of study came from Eli’s experiences working with the Hillsborough County Arts Council and College of the Arts Council at USF (at which he served as President) during his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida. Eli graduated from USF Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance in 2015. Upon his return to Alabama in 2017, Eli taught band students in the Oxford City Schools and college students at Jacksonville State University where he worked as a graduate assistant while completing Master of Arts studies and a thesis on music pedagogy. Eli began working with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s Kids’ Meal Campaign in 2019 as an AmeriCorps VISTA and completed his VISTA service in 2020.
Grace Standridge is our Agency Relations Manager. She recruits, on-boards, and trains our Agency Partners in reporting, food safety, and shares best practices throughout our network. Grace joined the Food Bank in June 2020. Grace has a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management from UAB and experience working with Birmingham nonprofits in program coordination, case management, and development.
Elizabeth Wix is the Director of Partnerships at CFB. She first joined the team in spring 2017, working in Agency Relations. She now handles CFB’s external relations, community outreach, social media, communications, marketing, fundraising, and donor recruitment. Elizabeth earned her BA and MA in Anthropology from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and continues her education through IUPUI’s Lilly School of Philanthropy- Fundraising School coursework. A native of Muscle Shoals, Elizabeth has lived in the Birmingham area since 2012. After several years of working in the corporate world, she decided to redirect her skills to work in the nonprofit sector. She enjoys road trips with her husband, live music, flowers, and most of all her two giant hound dogs, Ladybird and Jolene.
Sam Wilkins is CFB’s Food Sourcing & Assistant Warehouse Manager. Sam joined the team in July 2020.
Brian Haven is the Operations Office Manager for the Community Food Bank. Brian has been with CFB since January 2019. He assists agencies with placing orders as well as coordinating logistics for the Operations department. Brian has a Bachelor of Science in Educational Counseling from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management from Wayne State University. Outside of the food bank, Brian enjoys travelling, watching movies, and working in Theatre.
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