CULLMAN, Ala. – The Link of Cullman County is encouraging food, monetary and time donations to support needs across the community.
Executive Director Melissa Betts said local pantries are in desperate need of food items to be able to fulfill the void currently increasing in the community.
“Across Cullman County, food pantries are working harder than ever to meet the growing need for families facing food insecurity,” Betts said. “The Link’s Pantry alone now serves 800 households each month, many of them working families, seniors and parents with young children. The best way to help right now is simple — give, gather and serve.”
Betts shared what each example can do to help with the need in the community.
GIVE: “A financial gift truly helps us make the biggest impact because pantries can purchase food in bulk at discounted rates. Donations to The Link can be made securely at www.linkingcullman.org or by giving directly to any pantry across the county. We are also working to secure some additional funds to make a bulk purchase soon.”
GATHER: “Host a food drive at your church, workplace or school. Items like peanut butter, crackers, rice, cereal and kid-friendly snacks are always in demand — especially as the holidays approach and children are home from school. Every can, box or bag makes a difference. Email us at info@linkingcullman.org if you are collecting food for us and would like us to help you promote the drive.”
SERVE: “Volunteers are the heart of every pantry. Whether it’s sorting food, loading groceries, answering phones or sharing a smile, your time matters. You can sign up to volunteer by emailing info@linkingcullman.org or by contacting your nearest pantry. We believe that when we give, gather and serve together, we can ensure no one in Cullman County goes hungry. It’s the simplest and truest way to live out our mission: Love your neighbor.”
In order to receive assistance from The Pantry at the Link, you are required to bring your photo ID and be willing to give your date of birth.
“We focus on households in Cullman County, but we are not going to turn people who need food away,” Betts said. “We are a ‘Neighbor’s Choice’ Pantry. People come sign in and tell us the size of their family. A prepacked box of staple items we have on inventory is placed in a shopping cart. They are able to then shop our cooler, freezer and shelves to make selections. Meat, dairy, produce, baked goods, condiments, snacks. Most households leave with a cart overflowing with food. I encourage you to pop in soon for a quick tour. It is pretty special.”
For Betts, The Link has always been a place where people in need are referred.
“We don’t say that to pat ourselves on the back — it’s simply who we are,” Betts said. “When someone in our community faces a crisis, whether it’s a family without food, a parent trying to rebuild or a neighbor simply unsure where to turn, The Link is where they come for help — and hope. But what makes this work possible isn’t just our staff or our programs. It’s our community. Every time someone gives, volunteers, donates food or simply spreads the word, they become the link that connects a family in need to the help they’re looking for. We’ve been able to rise to meet moments of crisis because our community has always risen with us. And as we step into this season of both need and giving, that partnership matters more than ever. Together, we can make sure every neighbor knows they’re seen, cared for and loved.”
Right now, Betts shared, there is a call to action for our community. SNAP benefits are set to be suspended Nov. 1, due to the federal government shutdown.
“This is a moment for all of us to really stop and look at the ripple effect this crisis will have across Cullman County,” Betts said. “Each month, over $1 million in SNAP benefits is distributed here. That’s $1 million in grocery spending that flows through our local stores, supports our farmers and keeps food on the tables of families who are already doing their best to make ends meet. When that support pauses, that’s $1 million missing from our local economy — and it’s the small handful of food pantries in our county that will try to stand in the gap. Many of those same pantries are already stretched thin, operating with limited space, volunteers and benevolent funding.
If you see a neighbor in need — just act. If you already give to a local pantry — keep giving. And if you’ve never been involved — come take a tour of The Link, see the need firsthand and consider setting up a recurring donation.”
Betts said they are also seeking a small warehouse space to help them purchase and store food in bulk so they can be ready for what’s ahead.
“Donor dollars toward those bulk purchases will help us sustain our response for the long haul,” she said. “Cullman has always shown up when our neighbors needed it most. I believe this time will be no different. Together, we can ensure that no family is left behind — and that love, generosity and community remain the heartbeat of this county.”
See a tour of The Pantry at the Link with Supportive Services Manager Jonathan Creekmore at www.facebook.com/share/v/1aqgQig2Qy. Get more information at www.facebook.com/TheLinkofCullmanCounty or www.LinkingCullman.org.
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