Events aim to end hunger in Central Alabama

There are 14,100 food insecure children in Shelby, Coosa and Talladega counties, and Alabama Childhood Food Solutions is setting out to feed as many of those children as it possibly can.

Through fundraising events such as the Full Belly 5K on Feb. 28 and the organization’s three-year anniversary banquet, co-directors Jim and Linda Jones are determined to deliver food to those who need it most. 

“The run is a fun thing mostly, but any time that people will get out and work together to try and put funds together for a general purpose, it can be very effective,” Jim said. “We found that runs, motorcycle rides and other small events will bring in help so that we can accomplish what we need to.”

The race will take place in Mt Laurel and is also sponsored by Double Oak Community Church, which is also located in Mt Laurel. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Linda said this event is not just for runners but also for families who want to support the cause by walking. 

Although this is the first Full Belly 5K, Jim hopes it will be one of many fundraising runs to benefit Alabama Childhood Food Solutions. Each week the organization sends weekend food snacks to more than 1,250 children, and they provide about 15,000 pounds of food and toiletries once per month to more than 300 local families. The money earned at the races will be used to help provide those items. 

On March 5, Alabama Childhood Food Solutions will hold its annual silent auction and banquet to celebrate its three years of service. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Marriott located off U.S. 280. Linda said there will be hundreds of items being auctioned off. 

“This will be an event of the year for the Birmingham area,” Jim said. “[We want] to invite anyone who is willing to join us.”

Auburn University Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs will be speaking at the banquet, and Harriet Giles, the director of End Child Hunger in Alabama, will also be in attendance. Country-western singer Roger Vines will perform original songs produced specifically for this event along with other musical entertainment. 

“We always have a great time with music and food,” Linda said. 

To register for the Full Belly 5K, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/FullBelly5K. To purchase tickets for the Alabama Childhood Food Solutions banquet and silent auction, visit alabamachildhoodfoodsolutions.com or call (256) 245-6115. 

Full Belly 5K 

Mt Laurel 

Feb. 28, 8 a.m. 

Banquet and Silent Auction 

Birmingham Marriott 

3590 Grandview Parkway

March 5, 6 p.m.