BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Gas prices are continuing to rise, and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama says high prices could impact their day-to-day operations.
According to AAA, the national average is $3.96 a gallon, up more than a dollar from last month. In Alabama, the average hit $3.62. Last month, it was $2.62.
The last time gas was really expensive, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama spent $100,000 over their gas budget. Any extra money going toward gas can take away from food.
Food bank drives 15,000 miles monthly
“The Food Bank is actually a logistics organization. We are getting food from places that don’t need that food anymore and we’re getting it here and giving it out to people that need it. That’s all logistics. That’s all what we’re doing and that all takes gas,” said Nicole Williams, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama CEO.
War in the Middle East means gas prices are going up fast. The national and state average is up an entire dollar from a month ago.
“We drive on average about 15,000 miles a month and so, gas prices are of course affecting us and our bottom line as we’re trying to serve people in the community,” Williams said.
Williams said the food bank has 14 trucks and several transit vans on the road every day.
“Our drivers are out in the community, delivering food out to our neighbors for distributions every day and sometimes on the weekends. Then we’re also picking up food from distribution centers and grocery stores to bring back here then to redistribute out into the community,” Williams said.
Higher costs could affect food assistance
With more money going to gas, that means less money for food they can buy, all while even more neighbors might need help.
“We’re always concerned about our neighbors and their household budget. When food prices fluctuate, and when gas prices go up, that’s more funds that come out of someone’s household budget. That often then affects how much they have to spend on food,” Williams said.
But their goal to feed the community is not wavering. Williams said no matter how expensive prices get, they’re dedicated to ensuring people are fed.
“We don’t want food to be something that people worry about day to day. We want people to feel confident that they can feed their children and not go to bed with a hungry stomach,” Williams said.
Williams said if you’re in need of food, there are food distributions happening all across Central Alabama. Those able to donate can find ways to contribute to the food bank.
Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Copyright 2026 WBRC. All rights reserved.