Food Bank of East Alabama

08/24/2026

Mr. L reached out to us seeking assistance, sharing his concerns as an 80-year-old resident of a mobile home. Nearly all of his Social Security checks go towards his mortgage and utilities each month, leaving him with barely enough for essentials. He said he’s never needed help, but rising utility and grocery costs have pushed him to seek support.

Despite recently being approved for Medicaid and having a food card through Humana, Mr. L still finds it challenging to make ends meet. During our conversation, he conveyed a heartfelt desire for relief, saying that any assistance would significantly lighten his burden.

We were able to guide him through the process of applying for SNAP over the phone, which gave him hope. Additionally, we introduced him to the LIHEAP program, which he had not previously heard of. Learning that he could receive help with his electric and gas bills a few times a year excited him. He expressed deep gratitude for the ease of completing both applications from the comfort of his home, feeling a renewed sense of optimism about managing his expenses.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, we are here to help. Give us a call at 877-833-2550 or go to www.benefitsenrollmentcenter.org

08/23/2026

A great opportunity for the community!

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

08/20/2026

💙 Big things happen when our community comes together! 💙

We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support of Niagara Bottling, Co., one of the top financial donors to the Food Bank of East Alabama’s Backpack Program.

Their commitment helps us provide weekend food assistance to local elementary students throughout the school year—helping make sure kids have nutritious food to take home for the weekend.

Partnerships like this are what make the Backpack Program possible. We’re so thankful to have businesses like Niagara Bottling, Co. investing in the children and families of East Alabama!

08/20/2026

Feeding Alabama says new data show that around 81,000 people in the state lost access to SNAP benefits after eligibility tightened last year.

The food bank says more people are now coming to them for food and groceries.

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

The Food Bank and Community Market were honored to be included in the Volunteer Fair hosted by the Auburn University Honors College. Incoming freshmen were given information about how they can get involved in serving the Lee County community.

08/17/2026

Let’s Talk About Food Expiration Dates!
There’s a BIG misconception when it comes to food labels like "Sell By," "Best By," and "Use By." Many people assume that once the date passes, the food is no longer safe to eat—but that’s NOT always the case!

Sell By: This is for stores, not consumers! It tells retailers when to sell the product for peak freshness, but the food is still good after this date.
Best By: This is about quality, not safety! The food might not be at peak freshness, but it’s still perfectly edible.
Use By: This is the manufacturer’s estimate of when the food is at its best, but it doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe after this date.

Be aware! Let's not waste food—especially when it's still good to eat!

If you’re not comfortable eating food past the printed date, please consider donating it instead of tossing it. Many food banks (including ours!) gladly accept non-perishable food that is still sustainable and nourishing.

Let’s fight food waste and help those in need!