Birmingham, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A grocery store has opened at Huffman Middle School to tackle food insecurity and improve student outcomes in Birmingham. Established by Goodr, the store serves registered families, providing essential grocery items at no cost, thereby addressing the high poverty rates in the area. This initiative, supported by local officials, exemplifies the commitment to student welfare and aims to expand after a two-year evaluation.
Birmingham
A first-of-its-kind grocery store has opened in Birmingham’s Huffman Middle School to improve student outcomes and combat food insecurity. The initiative, established by Goodr, a sustainable food waste management company, aims to alleviate the struggles families face in accessing healthy food options in the area.
The store occupies 300 square feet and is exclusively available to students and their families. Goodr, founded by Jasmine Crowe-Houston in 2017, previously opened a similar grocery store at McNair Middle School in Atlanta in 2021. The Huffman Middle School grocery store represents the first of its kind in the Birmingham City Schools district and highlights a growing concern for food access among school-aged children.
This important project is a collaboration between Goodr, Birmingham City Schools, and Councilor Clinton Woods from the Birmingham City Council. Registered families can shop for free several times a month, with an estimated savings of $900 to $1,200 annually. Principal Jeffrey Willis noted that the neighborhood’s poverty rate is around 75%, with close to 90% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
The grocery store is part of a two-year pilot program, funded by approximately $277,450 through the American Rescue Plan Act. A grand opening event was attended by Goodr’s founder, local council members, and school officials, reinforcing the notion that access to healthy food should not be a privilege.
The store will offer fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, and vegan options. Families shopping at the store will receive reusable grocery bags, and the store will rotate six fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school year. Up to 200 shopping slots are available each month for enrolled families, who must register through an online portal.
This initiative reflects a growing trend to address basic needs affecting educational success, aiming to reduce stressors that hinder learning. Goodr will track various metrics during the pilot, including food access, household size, and visit frequency, to assess impact and outcomes.
Additionally, the grocery store will serve as a hands-on learning lab for students involved in the Family and Consumer Sciences program, allowing them to gain valuable experience in retail operations. Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods emphasized the goal of making schools community hubs where personal growth and mentorship can flourish.
After two years, the pilot program will be evaluated for possible expansion to other schools based on its success.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the grocery store at Huffman Middle School?
The grocery store aims to improve student outcomes and combat food insecurity within the school community.
Who established the grocery store?
The grocery store was established by Goodr, a sustainable food waste management company.
What type of food will the grocery store provide?
The store will provide fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, and vegan options.
How often can registered families shop at the store?
Registered families can shop for free several times a month.
How much can families save annually by using the grocery store?
Families can save an estimated $900 to $1,200 annually by using the grocery store.
How many shopping slots are available each month for families?
Up to 200 shopping slots are available each month for enrolled families.
What is the pilot program’s funding source?
The pilot program is funded by approximately $277,450 through the American Rescue Plan Act.
After the pilot program, what will occur?
After two years, the pilot program will be evaluated for possible expansion to other schools based on its success.
Key Features of the Grocery Store Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Huffman Middle School, Birmingham |
| Size | 300 square feet |
| Initiative Created By | Goodr |
| Estimated Annual Savings for Families | $900 – $1,200 |
| Poverty Rate in Neighborhood | 75% |
| Students Qualified for Free/Reduced Lunch | 90% |
| Funding Amount | $277,450 |
| Shopping Slots Available | 200 monthly |
| Types of Food Offered | Fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, vegan options |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huffman Middle School Opens In-School Grocery Store
Huffman Middle School Launches Alabama’s First In-School Grocery Store
Alabama Enacts Stringent Regulations on THC and Hemp Products
Marshalls Opens New Location in Oneonta, Alabama
Birmingham City Schools Unveil Hydroponic Classrooms
Public Hearing Scheduled for Mi Pueblo Supermarket
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New Cha House Opens in Birmingham
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Additional Resources
- Afrotech: Goodr Opens First-of-Its-Kind Grocery Store at Huffman Middle School
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- ABC3340: Birmingham Opens In-School Grocery Store at Huffman Middle
- Google Search: Grocery Store Initiatives
- Birmingham Times: Huffman Middle School Opens Alabama’s First In-School Grocery Store
- Google Scholar: Food Access Education
- AL.com: Free Grocery Store Opens at Huffman Middle School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Desert
- Bham Now: Birmingham Opens First Free School Grocery Store
- Google News: Huffman Middle School Grocery Store
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
