EMA, Compassion Coalition Kick Off 'Mitigate Hunger' Food Drive

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency this week announced a partnership with Compassion Coalition for a holiday food drive geared toward feeding the needy in the community at a time when it's needed most.

The "Mitigate Hunger" drive for the holidays will see donated items given to local food pantries, with the most requested items being dried or canned goods, including: grits, spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned meats, canned fruit, canned goods, peanut butter, jelly, breakfast cereals, self-rising flour, sugar, and macaroni and cheese.

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The Compassion Coalition is described as a multi-faith organization that works with the Tuscaloosa County EMA and the Tuscaloosa County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to meet the needs of those following a disaster.

According to University of Alabama statistics, 20% of Tuscaloosa County residents currently live under the poverty line, while 17.9% face some kind of food insecurity. What's more, UA reports 22.2% of children in Tuscaloosa County deal with not having enough to eat.

The Tuscaloosa County EMA also said to avoid donating items held in glass jars. Donations will be collected until Dec. 14.

Collection boxes are located at:

• Northport Fire Station 4, 4900 Rose Blvd, Northport.
• Northport Civic Center, 3500 McFarland Blvd, Northport.
• Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, 714 1/2 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa.
• Tuscaloosa Fire Station 7, 141 Skyland Blvd, Tuscaloosa.
• Tuscaloosa Fire Station 11, Covered Bridge Road, Vance.