FoodLine

The Cooperative’s FOODLine
256-534-2424

• Operates 9AM – 12Noon, 1 – 3PM Monday through Thursday, 9 – 11:30 AM Friday
• Sponsored by Cooperative of the Interfaith Mission Service since 1994, when requests for food assistance began to overwhelm HELPLine system
• IMS FOODLine/Food Pantry System is operated entirely by volunteers – 20+ answering the telephone in shifts; many more in 30+ pantries in congregations around Madison County
• Telephone volunteers use HELPLine data base to screen callers for overuse of the system.
• Two pantries specialize in infants’ needs, one in needs of people with diabetes and on dialysis
• Take orders for holiday baskets provided by various congregations
• Provided a with emergency food assistance for a few days to 11,100+ adults and children in 2001

Typical food package for a family of four:

1 box of cereal, 1 box of pancake mix, 1 bottle of syrup, 2-3 boxes of macaroni and cheese dinner, 2-3 cans of tuna or other meat/fish, 1 bag of dried beans, 1 bag of rice, 1 package of spaghetti, 1 jar/can of spaghetti sauce, 1 box of crackers, 4-6 cans of vegetables, 2-3 cans of fruit or dried fruit, 1 can/bottle of fruit juice, 2 cans of soup, 1 jar of peanut butter, 1 jar of jelly, 2 cans of evaporated milk, other items depending on pantry stock

Typical reasons that Madison County residents call for food assistance:

• recently laid off from work
• illness, recent surgery or medical condition prevents working
• outdoor workers (e.g., lawn care, roofers) unable to work because of rain
• children out of school for summer, holiday
• Social Security/other benefits are delayed in mail

The Cooperative’s FOODLine is NOT the Food Bank of North Alabama.  Foodline provides food directly to individuals and families.  Food Bank of North Alabama provides food to agencies which serve individuals and families (e.g., HOPE Place, Downtown Rescue Mission, CASA, church pantries).  United Church serves as the Coordinating Congregation for this ministry.