Birmingham, Alabama, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Huffman Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama, has inaugurated the state’s first in-school grocery store to tackle food insecurity affecting students and their families. Operated by Goodr, this unique store allows enrolled families to shop for essentials at no cost multiple times a month. Given the high poverty rate in the community, the initiative seeks to alleviate hunger and promote better academic performance. The store also serves as a learning lab for students, contributing to their education while addressing critical needs within the community.
Birmingham, Alabama: Huffman Middle School Launches First In-School Grocery Store to Combat Food Insecurity
Huffman Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama, has opened the state’s first in-school grocery store designed to combat food insecurity among students and their families. This innovative grocery store aims to ensure that the community does not face hunger, providing essential resources right where students learn.
The grocery store, operated by Goodr—a social impact company dedicated to addressing food waste and hunger—serves exclusively enrolled families, allowing them to shop at no cost several times a month. The need for such a grocery store is underscored by the significant poverty rate in the Huffman community, which is nearly 75%. Furthermore, between 85% to 95% of the school’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch, highlighting the urgent need for additional food support.
Brenda Craig, a grandmother of two students at the school, emphasized the grocery store’s importance and noted her financial struggles, reflecting a broader concern among families in the area. Huffman Principal Jeffery Willis reinforced the vision behind this initiative, stating that while academic success begins at the school, it cannot flourish without addressing the issue of hunger.
The 300-square-foot store features a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, and vegan options—all selected intentionally to cater to the needs and preferences of the local community. The initiative aims to alleviate food-related stressors that can impact academic performance and the overall well-being of students and their families.
Jasmine Crowe-Houston, the founder of Goodr, noted that the store is not just a grocery outlet but will also function as a hands-on learning lab for students in the Family and Consumer Sciences program. Students will gain valuable experience in inventory management and customer service, preparing them for future careers while reinforcing their academic learning.
Research indicates that every $1 invested in programs like in-school grocery stores can yield a return of $10-$14 due to improved graduation rates and health outcomes, making this initiative not only socially responsible but also economically viable. The pilot program is funded by $277,500 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods.
The grocery store will operate throughout the academic year and has been developed as a model for future food access initiatives across the state. Families using the store can save between $900 to $1,200 annually, significantly easing the financial burden of grocery shopping.
As part of the program, students will receive reusable grocery bags, and the store will rotate six fresh fruits and vegetables with each new season to provide variety and encourage healthy eating habits. As the two-year pilot program progresses, officials will evaluate its effectiveness based on student attendance, academic performance, and overall family wellness.
This initiative represents a commitment to removing barriers that could hinder student success both in the classroom and in life, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to education that extends beyond academics.
FAQ
What is Huffman Middle School’s new initiative?
Huffman Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama, has opened the state’s first in-school grocery store aimed at combating food insecurity among students and their families.
Who operates the grocery store?
The grocery store is operated by Goodr, a social impact company addressing food waste and hunger.
Who can use the grocery store?
The grocery store serves exclusively enrolled families at Huffman Middle School, allowing them to shop at no cost several times a month.
What types of products are available in the grocery store?
The grocery store is stocked with fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, and vegan options.
How is this program funded?
The pilot program is funded by $277,500 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods.
Key Features of the Huffman Middle School Grocery Store
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Store Size | 300 square feet |
| Products Offered | Fresh produce, bread, eggs, dairy, pantry staples, vegan options |
| Eligibility | Exclusive to enrolled families |
| Cost | No cost to families |
| Funding | $277,500 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) |
| Potential Savings | Families could save between $900 to $1,200 annually |
| Learning Lab | Hands-on experience for students in Family and Consumer Sciences program |
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Huffman Middle School Opens Alabama’s First In-School Grocery Store
- ABC 33/40: Birmingham Opens In-School Grocery Store at Huffman Middle
- Bham Now: Birmingham Opens First Free School Grocery Store at Huffman Middle School
- AL.com: How Classroom Farms Are Changing the Lives of Students in Birmingham’s Food Deserts
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
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.
