EJI Expands Anti-Hunger Work with Mobile Grocery Program

EJI's hunger relief program has provided food support to more than 5,000 Alabama families struggling with food insecurity in its first two years. Our program serves families in 56 counties across Alabama, which has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation.

As food insecurity has continued to rise, EJI's unique approach is having a powerful impact on participants. EJI staff directly distribute prepaid cards each month that families can use to buy groceries without restrictions, requirements, or judgment. Most families participate in the program for three to six months.

Through regular interaction with participants, EJI learned that many Alabama families live in communities where access to fresh produce and healthy food is limited. Many participants have to travel many miles to a grocery store that stocks produce, meat, and other unprocessed food options.

To address this problem, EJI launched an innovative mobile grocery program in October that brings the grocery store to Alabama families. EJI acquired a refrigerated van that travels to communities across the state and offers quality meat, vegetables, and fruit at a low cost.

After program participants complete their shopping, the mobile grocery store is open for anyone to purchase fresh, healthy food at affordable prices.

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"We are thrilled to be able to bring fresh, high quality food to Alabama families who struggle to get to a grocery store," EJI Director Bryan Stevenson said. "The new mobile grocery component of our anti-hunger project has been hugely popular and we're hoping to expand it in the new year."

For more information about our hunger relief program, email us at [email protected] or call 334-269-1803.