This is a limited-time grant application for food pantries that serve United Way of West Alabama's nine-county coverage area while SNAP assistance is suspended. Funds received from this grant must be used to directly purchase food and other costs associated with food distribution. Funds are intended to be spent for rapid response to the urgent need, and each award should be spent within two weeks of receipt of funds.
UNITED WAY OF WEST ALABAMA LAUNCHES $50,000 FOOD ASSISTANCE GRANT TO COMBAT HUNGER ACROSS NINE COUNTIES
Tuscaloosa, AL (November 3,2025) — United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) has pledged $50,000 to address the growing food insecurity crisis impacting families throughout our nine-county region—Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa.
With the recent interruption in SNAP benefits and many veterans and workers going without paychecks, the almost 75 food pantries across the area are seeing an unprecedented demand for assistance. In response, UWWA is providing direct support through a Food Assistance Grant designed to help local food pantries meet immediate needs.
“Our West Alabama community is so generous, and I am proud our Board of Directors has allocated $50,000 from our reserves to support those suffering from loss of SNAP benefits. Nobody in West Alabama should go hungry when we have so many resources available,” said Jackie Wuska, President and CEO of United Way of West Alabama. “We are seeking additional corporate and government support from our community partners to sustain this initiative as long as needed. We are grateful to The Westervelt Company for helping support efforts in Hale and Tuscaloosa Counties and look forward to others joining us in the cause.”
Through this program, UWWA will issue weekly grants ranging from $250 to $500 to food pantries that are part of the West Alabama Food Bank network and are located in our nine-county service area. These funds will help replenish pantry shelves and ensure continued access to food for individuals and families in need.
Applications are open now at uwwa.org. Eligible food pantries must provide a tax ID letter to apply.
UWWA is also calling on community partners, businesses, and government entities to match or contribute toward this effort to extend the program as long as it is needed.
“The need is urgent and widespread,” added Wuska. “Together, we can make sure every person in our community has enough to eat.”
Individuals seeking food assistance should dial 2-1-1 to be connected with trained call specialists who can help locate food resources nearby.
About United Way of West Alabama
United Way of West Alabama strengthens education, income stability, and health throughout Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties. By uniting community resources and partnerships, UWWA helps improve lives and build a stronger, more resilient West Alabama. Learn more at uwwa.org.