Food insecurity — or not knowing where your next meal will come from — is a serious problem for Alabamians, as well as people across the country. Thankfully, volunteers and organizations are still willing to step in to help meet life’s everyday needs.
In Central Alabama, roughly one in six people and one in five children experience food insecurity.
Norfolk Southern reports the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and Magic City Harvest received a combined $40,000 from the company this year to expand hunger-relief efforts in Birmingham.
But the company’s support didn’t stop with a check.
During Hunger Action Month, Norfolk Southern employees also volunteered with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. In Birmingham, 19 employees contributed a combined 38 hours working alongside the organization.
“Meeting the need for food assistance takes all of us. We are grateful for Norfolk Southern’s commitment to helping the Community Food Bank reach more families, expand access to nutritious food, and make a meaningful difference for neighbors across central Alabama. We truly are better together,” said Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
The Birmingham effort is part of a much larger hunger-relief initiative by Norfolk Southern. In 2026, the company is providing more than $1 million in grants to 55 organizations in 19 states, reaching more than 600 counties.
Since 2021, Norfolk Southern has provided more than $4.1 million to address food insecurity, which the company says is the equivalent of approximately 82 million meals.
“Food banks and hunger-relief organizations play an important role in strengthening the communities we serve. Hunger Action Month is an opportunity for our employees to show up alongside these organizations, building on the support we provide throughout the year to help expand access to food for families in need,” said Kristin Wong, director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact.
That support can take many forms. In 2025, food banks and hunger-relief organizations supported through Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities Grant Program reported providing more than 26.2 million meals and serving 2.19 million people.
Funding helped expand mobile food pantries and school meal programs, rescue surplus groceries and strengthen emergency food assistance efforts — everyday help for people who may not know where their next meal will come from.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
