Heart of Alabama Food Bank anticipates increased summer demand

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Montgomery’s Heart of Alabama Food Bank serves those in need across 35 counties, and leaders say they are about to see an increase in demand.

“We have thousands of children who will leave school during the summertime who normally very much depend on the breakfast and lunch that they get at school,” Heart of Alabama Food Bank CEO Michael Coleman said.

Some schools in the area have summer feeding programs, but transportation can cause an issue for many kids in need.

“Only 6% of the population that it’s intended for are reached by the summer feeding programs,” said Coleman. “So they’re going to naturally revert back to what are the other sources, and that’s when they go back to the food pantries, and then ultimately to us who is sourcing all the food for the food pantries.”

Inflation is also sending many families to food pantries for the first time. Coleman says there’s no shame in asking for help.

“We don’t necessarily care why they’re there. We just know that people are coming. They’re in need,” Coleman said.

For those that want to help, the food bank accepts food donations but prefers monetary donations. You can donate through its website.

WSFA 12 News is also taking action this summer by partnering with the Heart of Alabama Food Bank for our Summer Fund and Food Drive on June 7. All monetary and food donations will benefit the food bank.

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