- 19.2% of Alabama’s population is food insecure –that equates to 919,670 people (Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap)
- Families’ struggle to afford necessities follows closely on their employment status and wages—and the most basic necessity is food. According to the Food research & Action Center (FRAC), Alabama has the 2nd highest food hardship rate in the nation (25.2% of the population)
- With relation to the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the participation rate of eligible persons in Alabama is 65% (FRAC 2010 State of the States report)
Alabama Hunger Relief
If you have been
reading MoCo Spotlight since its inception you have become familiar with the
writing style - laid back and somewhat informal, not much unlike chatting with
a good neighbor. However the topic that
we're going to touch on in this blog is in no way laid back. It is a serious issue facing so many of our
neighbors, friends, and perhaps family - hunger.
This data may leave
you feeling stunned and wondering, "What can I do to help combat this
persistent problem?" There is a
way you can get involved and it is sooner than you think. On September Saturday, September 26, 2015
the non-profit organization Alabama Hunger Relief will host The Causeway
Blowout and the Alabama Inshore Championship and you are all invited to
participate to stamp out hunger in Alabama (or at least in Mobile and Baldwin
Counties). MoCo had the opportunity to
sit down and speak with Alan White, one of the co-founders of the Alabama
Hunger Relief non-profit organization.
Let's see what he had to say…
MoCo: What prompted you to found Alabama Hunger
Relief?
Alan: I used to host a syndicated outdoor radio
show and one day my brother John Nolan and I were discussing how we could raise
money to feed the hungry by bringing together hunters and fishers and Alabama
Hunger Relief was born. The purpose of
Alabama Hunger Relief is to educate,
promote and raise funds for the platform of Alabama
hunger. Alabama is the number one state
in the nation suffering from food insecurity, meaning someone may not know
whether they'll have food on the table on any given night.
MoCo: Those are sobering facts, but isn't that
what food banks are for?
Alan: Yes and no.
Food banks do a wonderful job of food distribution but we
(Alabama Hunger Relief) are in business to distribute venison to the food banks
in Mobile and Baldwin counties. We are
planning to expand to other counties later this year.
MoCo: Ok, I'm a little confused. How is the Causeway Blowout, a fishing
event, going to provide venison to food banks?
 |
| 2013 Champions Adam Barker and Patrick Garmison Photo Credit: Alan White |
Alan: Actually Alabama Hunger Relief hosts several
events throughout the year, the Causeway Blowout and Inshore Tournament; dove
shoots in the fall and the Delta Rendezvous.
One hundred percent of the profits from each of these events goes to
pay for processing deer meat and turning it into hamburger.
MoCo: Where does the deer meat come from and how
do the deer processors get it?
 |
| Banners are placed on deer processors inviting hunters to donate deer Photo Credit: Alan White |
Alan: We solicit people all year long to donate their deer. They in turn drop it off at certain deer processors.
People are very good about doing this.
Some people will actually deer hunt for two deer, one for them to keep
and the other for donation. Last year
we were able to donate 4000 pounds of venison to the food banks. We really appreciate their generosity.
MoCo: What are the names of the deer processing
locations where people can donate their deer?
Alan: Farm Fresh Meats in Robertsdale; Skinners
Game Processing in Thomasville; Mosley's Meat Market in Mobile.
MoCo: Share with us a few details about the
upcoming The Causeway Blowout and the Alabama Inshore Championship.
 |
| Captain Richard Rutland, winner of 2014 championship Photo Credit: Alan White |
Alan: I'd be glad to. We anticipate about 70 people to participate
this year. There will be two people per
boat and fishers can leave from anywhere in Alabama. They just need to bring their catch to the
Blue Gill Restaurant on the causeway for weigh-in. We will have two tournaments, one for
professional fishers and the other for the general public. I encourage MoCo readers to visit our
website to read all of the details: http://alabamahungerrelief.com/. We will also have a live band, food and
drink will be available for purchase.
The general public is welcome to come and watch the weigh-ins that
begin at 3:00 p.m.
MoCo: The event sounds like a fun day whether one
plans to fish or not. Are you still
looking for sponsors for the event?
Alan: Yes we are.
We are looking for either business or individual sponsors and all
donations are tax deductible.
 |
| Master of Ceremonies Fox 10 News Jason Smith with John Felsher, outdoor writer Photo Credit: Alan White |
MoCo: Thank you so much for your time Alan and Moco Spotlight wishes you much success with your event.
What: The Causeway Blowout and Alabama Inshore
Championship
When: September 26, 2015 with weigh-in at 3:00
p.m.
Where: Blue Gill Restaurant (3775 Battleship Pkwy,
Spanish Fort, AL 36527)
Cost: The Causeway Blowout: $30/Angler, $15 Youth Anger (15 and under);
Alabama Inshore Championship: $60/Angler
Why: Proceeds benefit Alabama Hunger Relief
Website: http://alabamahungerrelief.com/
MoCo is always on the lookout for
the next good story. Hit me up if you know someone who should be
Spotlighted on MoCo.
Until Next Time - Go Out and Do
Something Awesome!
