Tuscaloosa City Schools Prepping To Help Families Facing Food Insecurity

TUSCALOOSA, AL — As federal SNAP benefits are set to be suspended next month, Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) is preparing to help students and families facing food insecurity through its New Heights Community Resource Center.

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New Heights provides food, clothing, and other essential services — serving as a vital support hub for TCS families striving to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

The district’s on-site food pantry, operated in partnership with the West Alabama Food Bank, provides families with 65 to 85 pounds of food per month.

The school system says more than 870 individuals have already received support through the program this year.

ALSO READ: A Look At Tuscaloosa County Food Pantries As SNAP Benefit Suspension Approaches

With a surge in demand expected following the federal pause in benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown, New Heights is doubling its usual order of non-perishable food items to ensure families continue to have access to essential resources.

“Food insecurity directly impacts a child’s ability to learn, focus and thrive,” said Tesney Davis, TCS administrator of social services and mental health. “Tuscaloosa City Schools is committed to meeting not just the academic needs of our students, but also their most basic needs for health and well-being.”

The school system says about 71% of TCS students live in poverty, making expanded access to food assistance a vital part of the district’s mission to "support the whole child."

Families in need of food support can:

• Contact Kalissa Bormann at kbormann@tusc.k12.al.us or (205) 759-3534 to request food.
• Provide the number of household members and a phone number for notification when boxes are ready.
• Sign a West Alabama Food Bank form upon pickup to verify eligibility.
• Coordinate with a school social worker for pickup or delivery assistance if transportation is an issue.

How to Help

Community members who wish to contribute can donate online through the New Heights Foundation, Inc. GiveButter link.

All donations directly benefit the New Heights food pantry.

Volunteers are also needed to help pack and prepare boxes as food deliveries arrive. For information on donating or volunteering, contact Bormann at kbormann@tusc.k12.al.us or (205) 759-3534.

Located at 3834 21st Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, the New Heights Community Resource Center is funded through grants and community donations.

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