Our story began with a simple need

Rooted in Selma.
Growing together.

In 1993, a community effort became a local answer to hunger. The people, places, and partnerships have shaped every chapter since.

Volunteers bring food to a vehicle during a community distribution, from the food bank archive.

A local response, built together

The first chapter
belonged to our neighbors.

Community leaders and organizations came together in the early 1990s to create a food distribution center for the Selma area.

With initial support from the Montgomery Area Food Bank, now the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, Selma Area Food Bank began connecting food with local agencies that could put it into neighbors’ hands.

That approach still shapes the work: gather food, support community partners, and make it easier for people to find help close to home.

An archival newspaper clipping about the opening of Selma Area Food Bank.
A newspaper clipping preserved in the food bank’s history archive. Open the archive image

Decades of showing up

A story with
many helping hands.

A food bank for our community.

Selma Area Food Bank begins its work as a local food distribution hub, supported by community leaders and a regional food bank partnership.

A larger home on Avenue C.

The food bank moves into its current, larger facility, creating room for more food storage and distribution.

Responding through a pandemic.

With its larger facility available, the food bank helps neighbors through drive-through distributions and by supplying food for local partners during COVID-19.

A lasting gift to the community.

The building is donated and dedicated. Expanded freezer and cooler space helps food move through the regional network and local agencies. Read the WAKA report ↗

Thirty years of service.

The organization marks its thirtieth anniversary—a milestone made possible by donors, volunteers, staff, and partner agencies.

Four counties. A shared purpose.

The work reaches Dallas, Marengo, Perry, and Wilcox counties through community partnerships and food-assistance programs.

How a local effort grows

More connections.
More ways to care.

Retail food donations, local growers, community collections, and food bank partners all play a part in gathering food for the region.

Partner pantries, churches, shelters, and other organizations help that food reach people in their own communities. Senior food support and mobile distributions offer additional ways to connect neighbors with assistance.

Former executive director Jeff Harrison remains involved as Community Involvement Liaison and a member of the board. Today’s team carries the work forward with the same dependence on people willing to help.

Your part in the next chapter.

A food drive, a financial gift, or a few hours volunteering can become part of the story being written now.

Looking for a historical record or more information about the organization?

Ask our team

From our community archive

The faces and moments
behind the work.

Photographs of past distributions and volunteer efforts, preserved in Selma Area Food Bank’s community archive.

The next chapter
has room for you.

Help carry a local tradition of caring for our neighbors into the days ahead.

Let’s make a difference
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