End Child Hunger in Alabama introduces County Food Guide Project
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive food insecurity rates for Alabama families, End Child Hunger in Alabama, an outreach initiative led by Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute in the College of Human Sciences, has launched a comprehensive project to ensure all Alabamians can find nutritious food near them.
The End Child Hunger in Alabama, or ECHA, County Food Guide Project is an interactive map of Alabama counties on the ECHA website. Once residents click on their county, they will be directed to a page that lists nearby food resources. Volunteers and community partners maintain the map on a regular basis with up-to-date information, so those in need are encouraged to visit the site often.
“The ongoing health crisis continues to take a toll on families in Alabama and around the globe. Sadly, the impacts of this virus are reaching our youngest citizens, and for some, this could mean worrying about their next meal,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “As a longtime advocate for End Child Hunger in Alabama, I am proud to see them introduce a new, comprehensive tool that will greatly aid those who need it most, especially during the evolving COVID-19 situation.”
ECHA is a network of key state leaders representing both public and private sectors working together to end child hunger in the state of Alabama. The County Food Guide Project is an extension of their mission under the current circumstances in which families may be especially pressed to find food.
“ECHA partnering organizations diligently work to ensure every child in Alabama has access to nutritious foods,” said Alicia Powers, managing director of Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute. “In the case of COVID-19, access must include not only ensuring the physical presence of a food resource, but also informing the public of the most up-to-date operating procedures for food resources.
“As the facilitator of ECHA, the Hunger Solutions Institute is pleased to coordinate and maintain the County Food Guides supporting Alabamians as we all continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19.”
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End Child Hunger in Alabama has launched the County Food Guide Project to provide Alabama residents with access to nearby food resources.
Media interested in this story can contact Communications Director Preston Sparks at (334) 844-9999 or preston.sparks@auburn.edu.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
