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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

There are many things in life that people tend to take for granted: the sunrise in the morning and the moonlight in the evening, the companionship of pets, the gifts of clean water and shelter. Many people also tend to take for granted the gift of food and its widespread availability.

Many throughout the United States and in Alabama often wonder where their next meal is coming from. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama is the fifth poorest state in the country, with 17 percent of adults and 23 percent of children facing food insecurity.

Food insecurity is a state in which families or individuals do not have access to sustainable and adequate food options, both in quantity and quality. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from low income and unemployment to discrimination and natural disasters.

One organization headquartered in Hoover is fighting this harmful scourge.

Grace Klein Community is an educational and charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to eradicating food insecurity and food waste in Alabama, with efforts mainly concentrated in the greater Birmingham area.

Recently, as part of its expansion efforts, Grace Klein announced a partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church in Pelham. The partnership is set to provide additional space for Grace Klein to better assist the communities they serve.

Jenny Waltman is the CEO, founder and chairman of the board of Grace Klein Community. She gave a more formal background on Grace Klein’s mission.

“Grace Klein means ‘little gift from God’ and our heart is to share resources, to build relationships for the purpose of restoration to God and then to families and entire communities,” Waltman said. “Our vision is to address food insecurity across the entire state of Alabama and create a replicable model for national and global impact.”

According to Waltman, Grace Klein has seen exponential growth since its inception, making it one of Alabama’s premier nonprofits addressing food insecurity and waste.

“We began by serving 57 families in October 2009 and only had our first employee five years later,” Waltman said. “We operated as a hidden secret until the pandemic and ended 2024 by providing food support to over 617,316 unique individuals. With 24 full-time and seven part-time staff, we oversee a robust organization with a projected 2025 budget, of cash and in-kind, anticipated to exceed over $35 million.”

Waltman added that the main motivation behind the group’s success lies in its Christian faith and values.

“Our secret ingredient is our intentionality to share the love of Jesus through authentic relationships across socioeconomic, generational and cultural lines,” Waltman said. “We see miracles every day and desire for everyone to overcome the pursuit of religious intellect or routine and encounter a deep and meaningful personal friendship with Jesus.”

The creation of Grace Klein Community began amidst the juxtaposition of two separate festivities.

“Two birthday parties on an unassuming Saturday changed everything when we were exposed to our sin of omission, a lack of concern for the needs of the poor,” Waltman said. “From an upper middle class birthday party with inflatables and all the ‘stuff’, to a house backing up to abandoned projects where people were squatting, we realized as James 4:17 reads ‘So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.’”

Waltman then delved into how the partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church arose, adding that both organizations’ commitment to Christianity made it a natural pairing.

“Pathways has a heart for the community, for early church principles and for sharing with one another so no one has need,” Waltman said. “They are seeking to live in ways which emulate Jesus.”

To commemorate the partnership, Grace Klein and Pathways are holding an event on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. The event will consist of a property reveal, the signing of the formal partnership agreement, worship and more.

The event will be held at the Pelham Hub of Grace Klein Community at 419 Philippians Boulevard, Pelham, AL 35124. Waltman gave more details on the logistics of the event.

“We will begin our celebration on Jan. 26 promptly at 4 p.m. with prayer, worship and explanation of the vision, and recognition of early buy-in contributors,” Waltman said. “Then, we will offer tours of the shared space and warm cups of soup.”

The expansion with Pathways brings new costs for Grace Klein to consider. Considering this, Waltman took the time to detail how much Grace Klein will be raising for the project and how to contribute.

“We will be raising $2.4 million for the purchase and renovations of the existing space,” Waltman said. “During the event you will have the opportunity to select an aspect of the renovation you wish to sponsor, or you can give at Expansion.gkcbhm.org.”

Waltman concluded by emphasizing the main driver behind Grace Klein’s mission and work.

“Remember to pray for us as we believe God for the impossible and when the project goals are reached, you will know He united us and moved us all with a collective yes,” Waltman said. “He gets all the credit, not us.”

For more information on Grace Klein Community and its partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church, visit Gracekleincommunity.com.