TUSCALOOSA, AlabamaWBRC) – A group that helps feed people throughout the year got a big boost as the holidays approach.

The West Alabama Food Bank announced it will soon expand its services to those it serves.

The food bank is receiving $850,000 in federal funding that will be used to store food, teach healthy eating habits and provide food to those in need.

The additional federal money came from Congresswoman Terry Sewell.

This expansion includes a new cooler where food can be stored.

The West Alabama Food Bank will also partner with Shelton State Community College’s culinary program to host healthy eating classes in its community kitchen.

They believe these changes will help reduce food insecurity in west Alabama.

“Healthy foods aren’t cheap. Healthy foods aren’t something you’re given all the time. So the majority of that money will be used to buy food to bring the healthiest options – fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh dairy, cheeses, meats – to families where they can get them,” Jean Rykaczewski, executive director of” explained the Food Bank of West Alabama.

The West Alabama Food Bank is based in Tuscaloosa, so part of this money will help pay for transporting food to people in the nine west Alabama counties it serves.

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