Story and Mission
What is your mission ?
Feeding the Gulf Coast works through member organizations and special programs to provide nutritious food to meet the challenge of feeding people who are hungry as a result of systemic poverty , personal crisis , or disaster . We also educate the public regarding domestic hunger , proper nutrition , and other related issues .
How long have you been serving the Gulf Coast ?
Along the Central Gulf Coast , we are no stranger to the rebuilding process . We have rebuilt our homes and businesses following hurricanes and natural disasters , we have rebuilt our economy after recessions , and we will rebuild our lives following the pandemic . For more than 40 years , Feeding the Gulf Coast has helped rebuild our Gulf Coast communities , meal by meal .
What ’ s the organization ’ s impact on the community ? Feeding the Gulf Coast , formerly Bay Area Food Bank , serves a 24- county area spanning the Florida panhandle , south Alabama , and south Mississippi . In 2021 , the food bank distributed more than 26 million meals and supplies through over 400 church pantries , soup kitchens , and other nonprofit organizations throughout its service area . The food bank also operates multiple hunger-relief and nutrition programs , including Summer Meals , Afterschool Meal , Backpack , Disaster Relief , Mobile Pantry and Produce Drop Distributions and Nutrition Education . Feeding the Gulf Coast is a United Way member agency and a member of Feeding America .
For every $ 1 donated , Feeding the Gulf Coast can provide 5 meals .
What are your most important needs ?
Across the Central Gulf Coast , one in six individuals is at risk for hunger , including one in four children . In our nine-county south Alabama service area alone , that equates to nearly 123,500 individuals on an ordinary day impacted by the pain of hunger .
Community support makes our mission possible . There are countless ways for individuals and organizations to get involved and make a difference .
SPOTLIGHT
Lavern Sewell and Peggy Lyles are the two longest continuous employees of Feeding the Gulf Coast . // Photo by Elizabeth Gelineau
“ The world just feels different here . Amidst the whir of forklifts and box trucks , there ’ s a cheerful din , a sense of camaraderie and hope , a unified resolve . It ’ s actionable passion with a purpose , and it ’ s demonstrated by every employee and volunteer on site . No two people understand this innate drive better than Feeding the Gulf Coast ’ s longest continuous employees , Peggy Lyles and Lavern Sewell .”
How To Do Some Good :
To donate , volunteer , host a food and fund drive , or to get involved , please visit our website .
2022 Fundraisers & Upcoming Events
What is the most important thing to know about your organization ? For those seeking food assistance , the “ Find Help ” feature available at www . feedingthegulfcoast . org , is the best source of information for families and individuals seeking assistance . Individuals can also call 888-704-FOOD .
Contact Us
888-704-FOOD ( 3663 ) www . feedingthegulfcoast . org Alabama Branch : 5248 Mobile South St .
QR Code
Get Involved Theodore , AL 36582 communications @ feedingthegulfcoast . org Facebook . com / FeedingtheGulfCoast Instagram . com / feedingthegulfcoast Twitter . com / FeedingTheGulf Linkedin . com / company / feeding-the-gulf-coast
22nd Annual Chef Challenge April 28 , 2022 at the Mobile Convention Center
Visit www . themobilerundown . com | Text “ Rundown ” to 33222 15