Bank Independent launches Food and Family Share drive to benefit families in need

SHEFFIELD – For 11 years, Bank Independent has hosted the Food Share drive to help fight food insecurity in our communities.

This year, the initiative expands to include a Family Share component, collecting baby diapers with non-perishable food items to support local families in need. Bank Independent, in partnership with WAFF-TV and Mix 96.9, is launching the effort Monday.

“Last year, we recognized the importance of providing other essential items for families in need,” said Community Engagement Officer Hallie Mauldin. “Food and Family Share is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and the necessary care of families in our community.

“Whether you can drop off diapers or food items at your local Bank Independent location or take a moment to donate monetarily to the drive, we’ll ensure your donations make a positive difference in your community.”

Monetary donations will be accepted via PayPal and Venmo, making it easy for community members to contribute. In addition, Bank Independent locations will collect diapers and non-perishable food items until March 28. 

Last year’s Food Share drive collected and distributed $1,000 in cash donations and shipped 300 items to its partners. Over the past decade, the Food Share drive has created a financial impact of more than $200,000 in the community, the bank said in a news release.

Bank Independent partners with local organizations across its seven-county footprint to ensure that donations are distributed to area families in need.

This year, donations will be distributed through The Help Center in Lauderdale County; Meal Barrel of Colbert County; the Departments of Human Resources in Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone counties; Neighborhood Christian Center in Morgan County; and the Downtown Rescue Mission and Manna House in Madison County.