Hunger is a pervasive issue affecting millions across the United States. In 2023, over 47 million people, including 14 million children, faced food insecurity — meaning they lacked consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This translates to 1 in 7 households struggling to put food on the table. (Feeding America)
While hunger exists in every community, it disproportionately impacts children, communities of color, and rural areas — where access to nutritious, affordable food is often more limited.
Hunger in Alabama and the Black Belt
Alabama experiences higher-than-average rates of food insecurity. As of 2022:
746,550 Alabamians are facing hunger.
1 in 5 children in Alabama live in food-insecure households.
The state’s overall food insecurity rate is 17.4%, compared to the national average of 13.5%.
The Black Belt region — including Dallas, Marengo, Perry, and Wilcox counties — experiences even higher rates, reflecting longstanding economic disparities. In many areas SAFB serves, food insecurity rates approach or exceed 30% for the population. ([Feeding Alabama](https://feedingalabama.org/hunger-in-alabama/))
Selma Area Food Bank: Making a Difference Locally
Since 1993, the Selma Area Food Bank (SAFB) has been committed to fighting hunger and improving food access in our four-county service area. SAFB partners with more than 50 local organizations — including churches, nonprofits, and shelters — to distribute nutritious food to families in need.
SAFB distributes over 2 million pounds of food annually to individuals and families across Dallas, Marengo, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Our expanded 70,000 square foot facility enables us to meet growing needs in one of the highest food insecurity regions in the country.
How Hunger Affects Our Community
Hunger affects more than just physical health — it impacts education, employment, mental health, and community stability. Children experiencing hunger are more likely to struggle academically and behaviorally. Seniors facing food insecurity are more likely to have chronic illnesses. Adults must often make impossible choices between food, medicine, and housing.
At SAFB, we see these challenges firsthand, which is why we work tirelessly to provide more than just calories — we strive to distribute nutritious, balanced foods that promote overall health.
Our Programs and Initiatives
To address hunger in our community, SAFB operates several specialized programs:
Grocery Store Recovery Program: Partnering with local retailers to rescue and redistribute surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
Backpack Program: Providing schoolchildren with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals for weekends and school breaks.
Mobile Pantries: Bringing food directly into communities, serving 150–300 families at each event.
Brown Bag Special Program: Delivering monthly bags of groceries to homebound seniors, ensuring they have consistent access to healthy food.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Supplying eligible seniors with USDA food packages to supplement their diets and promote better health.
The Root Causes of Hunger
Addressing hunger isn't just about providing food — it's about understanding and addressing its root causes:
Economic instability: Low wages, job loss, and underemployment leave families vulnerable to food insecurity.
High cost of living: Rising prices for housing, healthcare, and food strain household budgets.
Limited program access: Many families struggling with hunger do not qualify for federal nutrition assistance programs.
Geographic barriers: Rural communities often face significant challenges accessing affordable grocery stores or assistance programs.
Challenges SAFB Faces
Unlike urban food banks, SAFB serves a geographically wide and resource-limited region. Access to consistent food donations is harder, and transportation costs are higher. Nevertheless, thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers, SAFB continues to grow and adapt to meet the region’s needs.
How You Can Help Fight Hunger
You are a crucial part of the solution. Here’s how you can help:
Donate: Every dollar donated helps SAFB distribute meals to those who need them most.
Volunteer: Sorting food, packing boxes, assisting at distribution events — volunteers are the heart of our operation.
Advocate: Spread the word about food insecurity and support policies and programs aimed at reducing hunger in our communities.
Together, We Can End Hunger
Hunger is a solvable problem. Through partnerships, community support, and action, the Selma Area Food Bank envisions a future where every child, every senior, and every family has access to the nutritious food they deserve.
Thank you for standing with us in the fight against hunger!
