HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Many people say this is the most wonderful time of the year and have already been preparing for their holiday feasts... On the other hand, some are facing hunger this holiday season.
"People have so many things that they're worried about this time of year that they're stressed about, and there's a lot of people who are having to make tough choices," said Food Bank of North Alabama Development Director Bobby Bozeman.
"We see a lot of our seniors are having to choose between medicine or food. A lot of young families are having to choose between diapers or daycare and food and a lot of people end up during this time having to choose between utility bills, keeping their house warm, and eating, and for seniors that can be a literal life or death choice."
The Food Bank of North Alabama works to help people in need know where their next meal is coming from.
"Throughout the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas or whatever people celebrate, we want to make sure that they're able to do so in a way that's reflective of what we have in North Alabama and that nobody has to go hungry," said Bozeman.
With support from the community, millions of pounds of food has been given out to those in need across the Tennessee Valley.
"We've had a lot of corporate partners that have made big donations, a lot of organizations in town have been doing food drive so you know, it all helps it all contributes and we ended up being able to distribute about a million pounds last month and we're on track to do that again this month," said Bozeman.
If you're looking to play a part, rest assured that the food bank will put your donations to good use.
"Food donations are always great, cash donations are great, you know, we're able to provide seven meals for every dollar donated," said Bozeman.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Food Bank of North Alabama's website.
And the giving starts before the holidays even get here, with a free food distribution in Florence:
This free distribution event will be open to the public in a drive-through manner from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitor Center's parking lot located at 200 Jim Spain Drive, Florence AL 35630 on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.