ALABASTER – A grant from Alabaster’s Walmart Supercenter will help stock the shelves of First Baptist Church of Alabaster’s food pantry to help ensure that local families don’t go hungry this holiday season.

On Friday, Dec. 13, Walmart manager Jason Bell presented a $3,000 check to Michelle Weaver, director of the church’s community ministries. Bell said he decided to help fund the church’s food pantry ministry because he wanted to be a blessing to the community.

Weaver said the grant is enough to fully restock the pantry and came right on time, because from October to December, there’s an influx of families struggling to make it through the holidays. On average, the pantry serves 200-250 people living in Shelby County per month.

“And it’s not all homeless people,” Weaver said. “There are a lot people who have jobs, are hard workers and just need that extra help.”

Each person served receives enough fresh fruit and veggies, frozen meat, bread and other food staples to feed a family of four for five nights. The food bags have monetary value of $75 to $100.

“This is an amazing blessing,” Weaver said. “The Alabaster Walmart is helping residents right here in their back yard. We are so thankful and appreciative of what Walmart has done for us.”

While at Walmart accepting the check, Weaver purchased 50 turkeys that will be given to area families. The church’s food pantry distributes food on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Those in need of food should contact the church to set an appointment. Weaver said there are no income requirements to be a food recipient, families just have to show that there is a need. She also urged residents and businesses to give to local charities and food banks throughout the year.

To contact the church call 205-222-6809 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The church is located at 903 Third Avenue NW.