CULLMAN, Ala, – On Saturday, July 20, The Link of Cullman County partnered with Greater Good Music to host its annual Rockin’ Good Grocery Giveaway. This year, the local food resource event – which is held in parallel to Rock the South – saw 280 boxes stuffed with snacks, food and pantry items along with participants’ choice of fresh produce like apples and potatoes.
“We were thrilled to partner with Greater Good Music for the fourth year. Greater Good helps music artists give back to the community they are playing in. Sheila Jones and her team are wonderful to work with and are doing great things all over the country,” said The Link Executive Director Melissa Betts. “We saw a ‘greater’ need for this event than we ever have.”
Greater Good Music was the giveaway’s funding sponsor, graciously allocating $15,000 to prepare and stuff 400 boxes for Cullman’s neighbors in need. All the donated funds were used to stuff the boxes for $37.50 each. Snagged boxes included family favorites and pantry staples like canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, crackers and oatmeal, while recipients also had their choice of produce like potatoes, apples, onions and cantaloupe to round out the offerings to take home.
In all, 280 boxes were distributed to the community.
“We will give the remaining boxes this week at our Park It Market, sponsored by the North Alabama Food Bank this Wednesday (July 24) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.,” said Betts.
The Link also operates a food pantry that is open Tuesday and Thursday serving neighbors who are struggling with shelter, food insecurity and basic necessities. Betts said the use of The Pantry has increased over the past year, especially. In January 2023, the food program saw an average of 193 households and in January 2024, the average number of monthly clients was 677. This month, the center has already had two days with 103 families and households served each day.
Betts shared, “People are looking for food resources to supplement their household food needs. With this current economy, we must work together to ensure our neighbors have food to feed their families.”
The Link of Cullman County and The Pantry are located at 708 Ninth Street SE in Cullman.
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