CULLMAN, Ala. – An estimated 59% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a survey by Charles Schwab. That’s 59% of Americans barely scraping by, having to delicately manage bills versus income and needs versus wants. When an intense ice storm threw Cullman and most of north Alabama into a deep freeze last week, the local EMA declared roads impassable and many were unable to travel and navigate the icy roads. Some of those same individuals who live paycheck to paycheck were financially devastated with lost time at work, resulting in lost wages. Add to that that power usage typically jumps during cold snaps, with heating units working overtime, increasing utility bills.
Melissa Betts, executive director of The Link of Cullman County, one of the resource centers available to Cullman County residents, said, “Our phones have been ringing with questions about food pantry hours and potential utility assistance due to the loss of wages last week. We opened Friday and assisted VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) with 20 boxes for people still unable to get out of their homes due to ice or circumstances: single, senior adults to moms with multiple children. Our largest family had six school-aged children.”
Cullman County is no stranger to food insecurity, and a number of food banks and pantries are scattered across the area to assist in easing residents’ burdens. Staff and volunteers at Cullman’s food pantries are preparing for an influx of visitors.
The Link’s Master’s Hand food pantry allows families with an immediate need to pick up resources and food once a month. Said Betts, “Our pantry tracks assistance; we ran a report last week on our numbers served each month in 2022, 2023 and now in 2024. In 2022 we typically saw 20-28 families each week in January. In 2023, we saw around 40 families a week in January. This year we are averaging between 140-190 families a week.” The Master’s Hand food pantry is located at 708 Ninth St. SE, and is open by appointment or each Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3:30 p.m.
Serving an average of 550 Cullman County families monthly, the Cullman Caring for Kids food bank is one of the community’s longtime and best-known resources for families and households dealing with food insecurity. United Way of Cullman County Executive Director Stephanie Childers said, “I imagine the need will be great after everyone being off work and utilities being higher during this cold snap.” Cullman Caring for Kids is located at 402 Arnold St. and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.
Other food banks in the community can be found at:
Caring Center at Northbrook Baptist Church
256-737-7757
1629 Second Ave. NW
Cullman First Baptist Church
256-734-5632
605 Third Ave. SW
First Baptist Church of Holly Pond
256-796-6161
10751 U.S. Highway 278
First United Methodist Church, Hanceville (Hispanic ministry available)
256-352-5536
704 Commercial St.
New Hope Baptist Church
256-796 5171
15 County Road 1698
Spirit Life Church of God
256-739-3326
1650 St. Joseph Dr. NW
St. Vincent De Paul
256-737-5131
201 Third Ave. SE
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