HARVEST NEWS
FOOD BANK TEAMS UP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Two community members were able to move their families into the newly constructed homes in Huntsville this January, thanks to their own hard work and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. And with a little help from the Food Bank of North Alabama, they were able to move into their new homes with a pantry full of groceries.
On move in day, folks from the neighborhood gathered to see what their hard work had built and to help move in their newest neighbors. The weather may have been a bit bleak, but spirits were high as people shared laughter and hugs.
Chris Mixer, Director of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley, addressed the crowd and spoke of the importance of community support and reminded everyone that this feat was only made through each individual’s willingness to show up for one another.
Habitat for Humanity requires each new homeowner to spend a certain amount of time volunteering to help build houses for their neighbors. In this case each new homeowner helped to build the other’s house.
As each of the new homeowners were handed their keys, it was evident they were overwhelmed — with joy, with appreciation, and, undoubtedly, with their looming move. Packing a home of kids’ stuff is never easy, especially if doing it alone. The Food Bank saw an opportunity to alleviate some stress for these grateful families: a full pantry on their move-in day.
Working with Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley was a partnership that “just makes sense” according to Amanda Carter, Agency Relations Manager for the Food Bank of North Alabama.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman
Joe Clark Jr.
Vice Chairman
Will Scott
Treasurer
Markeisha Layne
Secretary
Nick Stavely
Directors
Dr. Krisshonna Brown
Aaron Caradonna
Ericka Gorman
Daniel Kaufmann
STAFF
Chief Executive Officer
Shirley Schofield
Chief Operating Officer
Joshua Matthews
Development Director
Bobby Bozeman
Finance Director
Liz Rice
Alissa Mackiewicz Nick McKinney Michelle Omenski
Vanessa Tucker
Agency Relations Manager
Amanda Carter
Farm Food Collaborative Manager
Carey Martin-Lane
Food Sourcing Manager
Austin Kusiak
Huntsville Warehouse Manager
John Edward Thomas
Shoals Branch Manager
Jenn Tittle
Special Programs Manager
Chyna Smith
Volunteer Manager
Christi Garris
Community Engagement Coordinator
Melodi Spies
CSFP Coordiator
Graham Roden
Farm Food Collaborative Coordinator
Justin Luangkhot
Food Sourcing Coordinator
Chris Birdwell
Grant Coordinator
Madeline Weed
Inventory Coordinator
Vincent Wilson Jr.
Agency Relations Assistant
Kelly Nicholas
Administrative Assistant
Anita Bullock
Development Assistant
Abbey Rothfeldt
FFC Hub Delivery & Logistics Assistant
Lauren Hupp
Special Programs Assistant
Nagwa Alzokari
Operations Assistant
Ed Ikard
Food Sorting Captain
Carla Johnson
Lead Warehouse Tech - Huntsville
Le’Keith Hogan
Warehouse Tech - Huntsville
Jonathan Henderson
Mark McCrary
Lead Driver
Jimbo Beck
Drivers
Frank Mitchell
Terrance Lewis
Brandon Baker
PO Box 18607
Huntsville, AL 35804
(256) 539-2256 • www.foodbanknorthal.org
Counties served: Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan. The Food Bank of North Alabama is an equal opportunity provider & employer.
FEATURED STORY CONTINUED HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
“Taking one more item off these families’ plates, by providing those essential pantry items — and some yummy treats too — gives them the ability to focus on their packing, their move, and, most importantly, their family,” Carter said.
The Food Bank provided pantry staples, age-appropriate snacks, fresh produce, and even some essential kitchen utensils, offering peace of mind during a major transitional period.
“We are appreciative of the valuable partnership between the Food Bank of North Alabama and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. It is truly inspiring to witness the impactful outcomes that collaboration between organizations can bring to our community,” Jeremy Foulks, Executive Director of Habitat Humanity of the River Valley, stated.
The two Huntsville based non-profits count this as a success and look forward to continuing with the partnership.
“Supporting our neighbors should be a combined, communal effort, and when multiple organizations join forces we’ve seen incredible things happen,” Carter said.
Foulks added, “It is truly inspiring to witness the impactful outcomes that collaboration between organizations can bring to our community. I eagerly anticipate the continued growth of this relationship and its positive impact on addressing housing and food insecurities—two significant challenges faced by many in our community,”
HELP US SPREAD THE LOVE THIS FEBRUARY
Peanut butter is delicious, nutritious, and a highly sought after item at the food bank. However, it is not often donated!
This February, we encourage you to spread the love — and the peanut butter! — by donating peanut butter or any other spreadable nut or seed butter. Be a part of something nutty at the Food Bank of North Alabama and help ‘Spread the Love’ this February!
Also this year the Food Bank of North Alabama partnered with Kroger who will be collecting peanut butter for Spread the Love in all their stores in North Alabama.
The Food Bank of North Alabama will be accepting donations yearround at our new location!
225 Finney Drive Southwest Huntsville, AL 35824
