Ivey allocates more than $3.6 million for food banks

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Nov. 23 that she has allocated $3,606,104 for the Alabama Feeding Initiative, which will reimburse state food banks for COVID-19 related expenses.

The funds will be made available to food banks for expenses like purchase of food, packaging and related supplies to meet the increased demand as a result of COVID-19. Also, operational expenses, including fuel and maintenance, incurred due to handling a higher amount of food and open-air distribution events due to COVID-19.

The money can also be reimbursed for rental costs of storage space and vehicles to handle increased volumes of food due to COVID-19 and for the purchase of personal protective equipment, screening equipment and decontamination services to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The money allocated comes from the money Alabama received from the CARES Act earlier this year.

“Alabama is a state where neighbors help neighbors, even in the most difficult times,” Ivey said. “The Coronavirus pandemic presented significant challenges around the world, as well as here at home in our own state.

“Food banks in communities across Alabama have been a lifeline for those in need, and I am proud to be able to put these funds toward the Alabama Feeding Initiative. I have told Alabamians that I remain committed to getting these CARES Act funds into the hands of those who need it.”