Hungry for Help: How to Get It and How to Give It 

Hunger continues to be a major challenge across Central Alabama, affecting families, seniors and individuals from every walk of life. In fact, in five of the six counties that United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) serves, more than one out of every 10 people don’t have enough food for a healthy life.  

But, through strong partnerships, innovative programs and dedicated volunteers, United Way is helping families and individuals put food on the table — while also providing support to the local agencies in each county that work every day to fight hunger. 

See our list below for key ways to find assistance or lend a hand. 

Get Help: 
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, dialing 211 connects you with a trained specialist who can guide you to local food pantries, meal programs and other resources. Best of all, the service is free and confidential.  

You can also text ALFOOD to 898211 or visit the online 211 database to find nearby food resources, including help for anyone affected by the pause in SNAP benefits or other crises. 

Give Help: 
If your organization, school or group offers food assistance in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Chilton, Walker, Blount or Cullman counties, consider joining the 211 database so more people can find your services. Add or update your agency information here. 

Get Help: 
For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, limited mobility and isolation can make getting food difficult or nearly impossible. Beyond providing much-needed meals, Meals on Wheels is also an important source of social interaction, especially for seniors who might not have human contact on a daily basis. 

If you know, or are caring for, a homebound senior or disabled person who could benefit from Meals on Wheels, you can refer them to the program here.  

Give Help: 
Meals on Wheels depends on volunteers and community support. In 2024, nearly 800 volunteers delivered more than 237,000 meals in Jefferson County, making a powerful difference in the lives of older adults and enabling them to continue to live independently. 
You can or donate or volunteer to deliver meals so that Meals on Wheels can continue to expand its service and reach more seniors in need. 

Get Help: 
The Community Food Bank serves as the region’s main distribution hub, providing millions of meals annually through a network of more than 260 partner agencies in 12 counties. It operates mobile pantries, family markets and senior grocery programs to make healthy food more accessible. 

Click here to find food programs and meal distributions near you. 

Give Help: 
Support the Food Bank by volunteering to sort, pack or distribute food. Every hour of help means more meals for neighbors in need. Individuals can also host a fund or food drive to raise money or collect food for distribution. 

Get Help: 
Both the Birmingham Area Command and Walker County Salvation Army host food pantries to combat hunger and food insecurity in Central Alabama. By supplying free fresh produce, canned goods and healthy frozen items, these pantries provide valuable meal supplementation while helping individuals maintain independence and dignity.  

Give Help: 
Food drives and donations of all sizes help keep the food pantry shelves full. Community members can contribute by donating non-perishable food items or hosting a food drive. 

Volunteer in Birmingham 

Volunteer in Walker County 

Get Help:
For more than 50 years, Shelby Emergency Assistance has supported families in Shelby County and helped them move from crisis to self-sufficiency. Its food pantry operates in partnership with the Community Food Bank and provides up to a week of groceries per visit for hundreds of households each year.

SEA is open Monday through Friday by appointment.

Give Help:
With rising demand and limited inventory, SEA welcomes volunteers to help pack pantry bags and donations to keep shelves stocked. Community members can also give directly through the agency’s Amazon Wishlist.