Story By Donald Campbell

In the world we live in today, it seems like food banks and food pantries have become a vital resource for many in the community. Thanks to a partnership forged a few years ago, one food pantry here in DeKalb County continues to be able to offer plenty of food to those it helps, week in and week out.

In 2022, the Food Bank of North Alabama wanted to launch a pilot program, partnering with a school to help students who may be food insecure get the nutrition they need to be more successful in the classroom. Food bank officials decided to try these efforts out with the Geraldine Bulldog Pantry, according to Bulldog Pantry sponsor Brandon Renfroe. He explained that the food bank helps with one of the two “sub-pantries” under the umbrella of the Bulldog Pantry, more specifically, the one which sends food home with students to help keep them fed over the weekend.

“About once a month, they send us a truck carrying around 100 boxes full of food,” Renfroe said.

For the approximately 50 students who signed up for assistance through this program, they receive a box every other Friday, which contains plenty of good things to keep them fed throughout the weekend, Renfroe explained. Another positive aspect of this partnership is that the Food Bank of North Alabama doesn’t charge the Geraldine Bulldog Pantry for the food it delivers or the cost to take the truck from Huntsville to DeKalb County.

“We definitely owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Food Bank of North Alabama,” Renfroe said. “We’re very thankful for them.”

While the partnership with the Food Bank of North Alabama helps keep one part of the Geraldine Bulldog Pantry going without issue, there is more that the Bulldog Pantry does to help those in need. The second “sub-pantry” opens all year long on Saturday mornings at 8, offering clients a range of nutritious food. Renfroe said this facet of the pantry tries to make sure eggs are included in what gets handed out every Saturday, while distribution events have also included items like macaroni and cheese, pork sausage, pasta, cornbread mix, and even baby formula, according to posts on the pantry’s Facebook page. In addition, Saturday distributions at the Bulldog Pantry don’t require those seeking help to bring in paperwork, proof they live in Geraldine, or have them fill out forms to be eligible for food assistance.

“No paperwork, no forms, no questions,” Renfroe said.