CULLMAN, Ala. – “Feeding the Gulf Coast” (FGC) does not sound like an organization that would concern itself with north Alabama, but Outreach Senior Coordinator Carol Ann Hopper, who lives in the Cullman area and works at the agency’s Huntsville office, wants people to know the FGC’s services are available here and across the state.
Said Hopper, “We are a free resource for everybody in the state of Alabama. The most common misconception is that our organization is only able to assist people along the Gulf Coast, but because of the relationships that we leverage with other food banks in the state of Alabama, we are able to assist clients that are in need, regardless of where they are in the state.”
Hopper added, “We have a call center that we’re working around the clock, in overdrive right now, to make sure that there’s somebody there to answer the phone that’s an actual person- it’s not a robocall- to help direct people on what they need to do in their area to get assistance, and kind of walk them through how to find food during this unprecedented chaotic time.”
In a note to The Tribune, Hopper wrote:
“As families are faced with an increased need for food due to school closures, inability to work, or facing self-quarantine requirements, individuals seeking assistance can call Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Benefits Enrollment Center at 877-833-2550. Feeding the Gulf Coast’s outreach team works in partnership with two other large food banks in Alabama to best assist Alabamians in times of need.”
“Our Food Bank partner for this area is the Food Bank of North Alabama, website: www.foodbankal.org and the search tool is under “Get Help”. However, if clients will call the 877 number above, we can assist them regardless of where they live over the phone in one easy step.”
“Our call volume has almost tripled over the last week, as referrals are now coming in around the clock. Our team has worked tirelessly to put together an action plan so we can most effectively assist our communities during this unprecedented time. It is an honor to be on the frontlines able to offer a friendly voice and a hand up to people facing some of their hardest times.”
FGC works with food banks and over 80 grocery stores across north Alabama, collecting donations and surplus items.
On its website, FGC says:
Feeding the Gulf Coast remains committed to our mission of ensuring the needs of our communities are met. The food bank is no stranger to working through times of crisis to assist the most vulnerable in our community.
The food bank is maintaining regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8-4. Please call (888) 704-FOOD if you need assistance or have any questions.
At this time, we are maintaining an updated list of resources available for anyone seeking food assistance. The Find Help feature is the best source of information at this time for families and individuals seeking assistance.
Now more than ever, healthy volunteers are needed to sort and pack food and prepare emergency food boxes. During this time of increased need, please consider volunteering.
The threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) adds even more pressure to the already strained finances of those we serve and so many more. We are actively working to develop solutions to meet the anticipated increase in need in our service area.
To ensure we best serve our community throughout this ever-changing time of need, we are developing a strategy for the distribution of emergency food boxes for those affected by school closures, quarantines and the growing economic impact of this crisis.
But we cannot do it alone. Your support is always needed, especially during these uncertain times. As we work to always be part of the solution, please consider a donation to help us meet the needs of our communities.
During this time of uncertainty and crisis, Feeding the Gulf Coast remains dedicated to serving the community. We are in contact with our community partners and will continue to be an organization of hope and support for families facing hunger.
For children, 18 and younger, who need meals during school closures: The Find Help feature is the best source of information at this time for families and individuals seeking assistance.
FGC also recommends that people in Alabama visit http://www.breakforaplate.com.
Hopper told The Tribune, “The workload has drastically increased, but I feel like anybody that goes into the nonprofit sector, they do that because they have a heart for serving the people. So, when everything else is hunkering down, we’re really pressing in and moving forward.
“We all love what we do, so we get excited to step up in a time when a lot of people are backing down.”
For more information or to find out about getting assistance, visit https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/learn-more/covid-19-response, or call 877-833-2550 or 888-704-FOOD (3663).
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