Feeding the Gulf Coast

Theodore, Alabama, 36582-1604 United States

Mission Statement

Feeding the Gulf Coast fights hunger through community partnerships and programs by creating access to nutritious food and resources for those facing poverty, crisis, or disaster.

About This Cause

Feeding the Gulf Coast fights hunger through community partnerships and programs by creating access to nutritious food and resources for those facing poverty, crisis, or disaster. Feeding the Gulf Coast (FTGC) is a nonprofit food bank committed to ending hunger and strengthening communities across the Central Gulf Coast. We serve 24 counties spanning South Alabama, South Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle—regions where food insecurity rates remain among the highest in the nation. Our mission is to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, income, or circumstance—has access to the nutritious food and resources they need to thrive. In 2024 alone, Feeding the Gulf Coast distributed more than 35 million meals through a network of over 800 partner agencies. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, churches, and other community-based organizations working at the grassroots level to meet urgent and ongoing needs. Through our partnerships, we reach urban neighborhoods, rural communities, and disaster-impacted areas with compassion and efficiency. But our work is not limited to food distribution. Feeding the Gulf Coast operates a broad range of programs designed to address the causes and consequences of hunger, improve long-term food access, and support the health and dignity of our neighbors. Core Programs and Services Child Nutrition Programs Thousands of children across our region rely on school meals as a primary source of nutrition. When school is out—during summer, holidays, and after school hours—many face empty plates. Our Summer Meals and Afterschool Meals Programs ensure that children continue receiving the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and feel supported all year long. Senior Nutrition Initiatives Many older adults in our service area are living on fixed incomes and must make difficult decisions between food, medicine, and housing. We provide monthly senior food boxes and operate mobile food distributions specifically designed for seniors, offering fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and a consistent connection to care and community. Mobile Pantry Program In areas where access to grocery stores or transportation is limited, our Mobile Pantry Program brings food directly to those who need it. These distributions deliver fresh produce, meat, dairy, and non-perishable staples to neighborhoods, schools, and rural areas—reducing barriers and reaching families facing urgent food needs. Disaster Response and Recovery Along the Gulf Coast, natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding are a constant threat. Feeding the Gulf Coast is a frontline responder during times of crisis, providing emergency food, water, hygiene products, and household supplies. We work closely with local emergency management teams, FEMA, and relief agencies to respond swiftly and ensure communities can recover with dignity. Benefits Outreach and Nutrition Education Food alone doesn’t solve hunger. That’s why we provide assistance with SNAP applications and offer cooking classes, grocery budgeting workshops, and nutrition education—empowering families with tools to make healthier choices and stretch limited resources. We focus on supporting both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing. Dignity and Community-Led Solutions Feeding the Gulf Coast is guided by a deep respect for the dignity of every individual we serve. We know that hunger impacts people from all walks of life—and we are committed to providing food access and support that is compassionate, consistent, and responsive to the needs of each community. Our approach centers on listening to the people and partners closest to the challenges. We work to build programs that are practical, people-focused, and informed by those we serve. Whether distributing food through a local pantry or operating a mobile distribution in a rural area, we strive to offer solutions that meet people where they are—with respect and care. Efficient, Accountable, and Transparent Feeding the Gulf Coast is a proud partner food bank of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. We leverage their national network and purchasing power to maximize every donated dollar. We are also one of the most efficient nonprofits in the country—with more than 98% of all donations going directly back into our programs and services. Our work has earned us a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a distinction held by only a select percentage of U.S. nonprofits. Donors and partners can trust that their gifts are used wisely and with integrity to make a measurable impact. Why This Work Matters In communities across the Gulf Coast, hunger is often invisible. It touches households where both parents are working but still can’t cover basic expenses. It affects seniors who skip meals to afford prescriptions. It impacts children who rely on schools for consistent meals and go to bed hungry when school is out. These are not isolated stories—they reflect the reality for many of our neighbors. And while hunger is a serious challenge, it is also solvable. When you support Feeding the Gulf Coast, you are helping to build a region where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from. You are investing in programs that meet urgent needs today and support long-term well-being tomorrow. And you are standing with a trusted, mission-driven organization that believes food is a basic human right—not a privilege. Join Us Feeding the Gulf Coast is made stronger every day by people like you—individual donors, corporate sponsors, volunteers, community advocates, and partners who share our vision of a hunger-free Gulf Coast. Whether you give, volunteer, advocate, or share our mission with others, you play a vital role in bringing nourishment, stability, and hope to thousands of individuals across our region. Together, we are feeding families, fueling futures, and fighting hunger—one meal at a time.

Feeding the Gulf Coast
5248 Mobile South Street
Theodore, Alabama 36582-1604
United States
Phone 251-653-1617 ext. 130
Unique Identifier 630821997