Fighting Hunger Starts Here: What You Can Do Today
In the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 children (18.7%) live in households that struggle to afford groceries — and that number is growing (United Way).
Growing up, my family received food stamps. As a child, I thought they were actual stamps, like the ones you’d find on the back of Post cereal boxes. My parents tried to shield me from financial stress, but I was a curious (and nosy) Scorpio moon who wanted to know everything.
The reality hit one day at the grocery store. I was about 10, standing beside my mom as her EBT card was declined. I felt overwhelming shame — not just for myself, but for her. I wished I could shrink and disappear. My mom quickly pulled my fruit rollups, my sister’s chocolate milk, and her own yogurt from the bags. When she swiped again, the payment went through.
I don’t believe the card declined because my mom over-budgeted. I think she was simply hoping something was on sale so she could treat us — just this once. That was my childhood: growing up in a high-cost area where rent and groceries were steep, and food insecurity was part of daily life.
I share this not to say my experience gave me compassion. My compassion comes simply from being human. I don’t want children to feel what I felt — watching their favorite snack pulled from the cart. And you don’t have to experience it firsthand to care either.
Food Insecurity in Alabama
Food insecurity is not just a national issue; it’s very real here in Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, our state is the fifth poorest in the nation, with 17% of adults and 23% of children (1 in 4) struggling with food insecurity (AlabamaPublicHealth.Gov).
Many point to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a solution. Over 300,000 households in Alabama receive SNAP, including 300,000 children. But the average monthly benefit per household is just $121 — compare that to the average household grocery bill of $250. That’s about $4 a day for a family, and that’s if you qualify. Eligibility rules are strict, and a few dollars over the income requirement can mean denial.
Even for families who receive SNAP, gaps in coverage, renewals, and fraud issues often leave them short on food. And now, cuts to federal food programs are making it worse. The Food Bank of North Alabama, which feeds more than 200,000 people, is facing reduced support after USDA cuts to programs like the LFPA and CCC — over $500,000 worth of food will disappear from shelves.
Why Local Action Matters
UWOC staff Iris, Amia, and Angela partner with Alex Forsythe (2nd from right) to fill the St. Mark’s free pantry.
One of the most inspiring grassroots solutions in our community is Little Free Pantries of Madison County, founded in 2020 by Alex Forsythe. Their mission is simple but powerful: provide food that is immediate, barrier-free, and always accessible. No paperwork. No proof of need. No limited hours. Just neighbors helping neighbors. Alex even created a map of local pantry locations, and more resources are being added so individuals and families can find help where they need it most.
These little pantries are essential because larger systems are struggling. The USDA recently ended its annual Household Food Security report — a survey that for decades tracked hunger across the U.S. The last report in 2023 revealed that 13.5% of U.S. households — 18 million households — were food insecure, including 13.8 million children (NPR). With the survey discontinued, we risk losing national visibility into how many families are falling through the cracks.
That’s why grassroots projects like Little Free Pantries matter. They step in where big systems fall short, providing immediate relief for those who can’t wait for policy changes.
There’s so many ways to get involved:
Volunteer your time to restock a pantry.
Donate nonperishable foods instead of letting them sit unused in your cabinets.
Help build or maintain a pantry.
Volunteer at a food pantry or drive.
Host a pantry on your property so more neighbors have access.
Start a canned good drive or hygiene drive at your church, library, job, etc.
Every act, big or small, makes a difference — because no one in our community should go hungry.
How You Can Help
Supporting food pantries is simple and powerful. Restock a little pantry on your way to work. Donate food you’re not using. Volunteer with local organizations. If you can’t do that, call or email your representatives and speak out against cuts to food programs. You can also check Alabama Arise’s action page for legislative advocacy opportunities.
Beyond charity, this is about mindset. Too often we hear: “I suffered, so they should too.” That thinking keeps us stuck. I may not have gotten my fruit rollups as a child, but I know there are kids today who would love some — and we can make sure they get them.
- Amia Robinson, Community Engagement Manager/ volunteer@unitedwoc.org
