The Community Market is an outreach program of the Food Bank of East Alabama.
Link to: Hunger In Lee County
Link to: What We Do
Link to: Get Involved
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Link to: Donate
In Lee County, food insecurity is a silent crisis impacting children, seniors, working families, and individuals facing unexpected hardships. For many, the Community Market is a vital resource that helps them weather life’s storms with dignity and hope.
AS OF 2025:
1 in 6
individuals in Lee County live in food-insecure households, a 29% increase over the previous year.
15.1%
of residents live in poverty, affecting more than 6,620 children.
16%
The food-insecurity rate in Lee County has risen 16% in just one year.
Hunger isn’t always visible – but its impact is real.
It’s a mother fleeing abuse with nothing but the clothes on her back, an elderly couple choosing between groceries and prescriptions, or a student juggling school and work to provide for her child. These stories and more remind us why our work matters.
Below are just a few real experiences from those who have walked through our doors. Their courage inspires our mission.
Hear the stories of those we help
A woman was injured while working for a temp agency and required knee surgery.
With no income or workman’s comp insurance, she expended her savings and when her food supply ran out, she came to the Community Market.
A young mother with a six-year-old son and 4-month-old baby fled an abusive situation and came in with only the clothes they were wearing.
They were able to get food, formula and diapers from the Community Market.
An elderly couple (married for 46 years) came for assistance when their prescription expenses exceeded their Social Security income.
“We aren’t picky, but I feel like a normal human being when we can grocery shop here.”