How Grace Klein Community and Local Church Are Combatting Food Insecurity Together

Grace Klein Community Teams Up with Pathways United Methodist Church

Published: January 21, 2025

Many things in life are blessings we often overlook. One of those is food. In the U.S., especially in Alabama, some people struggle to know where their next meal is coming from. Alabama ranks as the fifth poorest state, with 17% of adults and 23% of children living with food insecurity.

Food insecurity means that people don’t have enough accessible, nutritious food. Various factors like low income, unemployment, and even natural disasters can contribute to this issue.

Grace Klein Community, based in Hoover, is working hard to change this. This nonprofit focuses on reducing food waste and ensuring that everyone has access to food, especially in the Birmingham area.

They recently formed a partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church in Pelham. This collaboration will help Grace Klein increase its reach and better serve the local community.

Jenny Waltman is the CEO and founder of Grace Klein Community. She explains that the organization aims to bring hope and resources to those in need. “Grace Klein means ‘little gift from God,’ and we want to share resources and build relationships to restore families and communities,” she said.

Since its start in 2009, Grace Klein has grown rapidly. They began with just 57 families, and by the end of 2024, they provided food assistance to over 617,000 people. The team now includes 24 full-time and seven part-time staff members.

Waltman attributes the group’s success to its strong Christian foundation. “Our focus is on sharing love and building genuine connections, regardless of backgrounds,” she said. “We see miracles every day and want everyone to have a meaningful connection with Jesus.”

The idea for Grace Klein came from a realization about the disparity between those living in comfort and those facing poverty. Waltman noted that two birthday parties on the same day—a lavish celebration and another in a struggling neighborhood—opened their eyes to the need for action.

This new partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church aligns perfectly, as both organizations share a commitment to helping the community and following Christian principles. “Pathways is dedicated to caring for others, making it a perfect match,” Waltman shared.

To celebrate this partnership, Grace Klein and Pathways are hosting an event on January 26 at 4 p.m. The gathering will include prayers, worship, and a formal signing of the partnership agreement. They will also provide tours of the new shared space and serve warm soup.

Waltman mentioned that the expansion comes with a significant financial requirement. They aim to raise $2.4 million for purchasing and renovating their new space. She encouraged attendees to consider sponsoring a part of the renovation during the event.

“Your prayers and support are crucial as we embark on this project,” said Waltman. “We believe in working together for something greater.”

For more on Grace Klein Community and the partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church, visit Gracekleincommunity.com.