BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new grocery store has opened inside Huffman Middle School, and it’s making a real difference for students and their families. This store, the first of its kind, aims to fight food insecurity, a major challenge that affects academic success.
In this 300-square-foot space, families can find fresh produce, dairy, bread, and even vegan options—all for free. While it’s not open to the public, families enrolled at Huffman can shop there several times each month at no cost.
Councilor Clinton Woods, who spearheaded this initiative with $277,500 from the American Rescue Plan Act, sees this as a pilot program that could expand if successful. He explains, “Some kids rely on school breakfasts and lunches. This shouldn’t be the norm in Birmingham.”
The program aims to ease the stress of hunger, allowing students to focus on their education. Dr. Jeffrey Willis, the principal at Huffman Middle, agrees. He notes that hunger directly impacts classroom performance. “When a child hasn’t eaten, it shows in their engagement,” he says.
In the Huffman community, nearly 75% live in poverty. Most students—85% to 95%—qualify for free or reduced lunch. “At Huffman Middle, we believe that success starts here, and hunger ends here,” Dr. Willis asserts.
How It Works
The grocery store is run in collaboration with Goodr, a nonprofit based in Atlanta that focuses on reducing food waste and alleviating hunger. This is the first Goodr grocery store in a Birmingham City School.
Families register through an online portal, with up to 200 shopping spots available monthly. All students will receive reusable grocery bags, and the store will rotate six fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school year.
Jasmine Crowe-Houston, founder of Goodr, emphasizes the importance of addressing hunger. She notes that families shopping at their locations can save between $900 to $1,200 each year. Goodr will also track significant data to evaluate the program’s long-term impact on food access and family dynamics.
Looking Ahead
The grocery store will operate throughout the school year and serve as a model for future food access initiatives. After two years, officials will review its success based on student attendance, academic performance, and overall family well-being.
“This is not just about feeding kids,” says Councilor Woods. “It’s about breaking down barriers so they can learn and thrive.” This unique approach may inspire other schools to adopt similar programs, showing that community effort can create lasting change.
For further insights on food insecurity and its impact on education, you can explore resources from organizations like the Food Research and Action Center.
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Grocery store,Food insecurity,Huffman Middle School,Free groceries,Academic success,Birmingham City Council,Goodr,Pilot program
