Feeding Alabama Named New CEO Amid Growing Food Need
Kim Lawkis leads the network as thousands of residents face increased barriers to essential nutrition.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food
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Kim Lawkis became the CEO of Feeding Alabama on Oct. 1, 2026, taking over as the organization braces for sustained demand. The network, which serves all 67 counties, faces a challenging landscape as thousands of Alabamians navigate changes to food assistance programs.
Why it matters
Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have increased reliance on charitable food banks. With food prices and transportation costs remaining high, families across the state are turning to this network for basic nutritional support.
Official reports indicate 80,000 Alabamians have left the SNAP program over the past year, while the network distributed 90 million pounds of food in the last fiscal year. It remains unknown if the state will receive a waiver to offset the $174 million annual SNAP obligation.
The players
Kim Lawkis
The new CEO of Feeding Alabama who previously served with Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Feeding Alabama
A state-wide network of eight food banks that distributes food through 1,200 partner agencies.
The details
Feeding Alabama coordinates a supply chain across 67 counties, utilizing warehouses, trucks, and volunteers to bridge gaps in food access. The organization distributes food through 1,200 partner agencies to reach a population where 40% of residents live in rural areas. This infrastructure acts as a primary safety net as families contend with rising grocery prices and transportation hurdles.
Timeline
Oct. 1, 2026: Kim Lawkis became CEO of Feeding Alabama.
2027: Increased demand for food banks is expected to persist throughout the year.
October 2027: The state faces an estimated $174 million annual SNAP payment obligation.
Health Landscape
The transition to Feeding Alabama reflects the evolving challenges within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This organizational shift highlights the growing reliance on private charitable networks to fill gaps in state-level nutritional security.
Families facing difficulty with food access may consult local resources to determine eligibility for charitable food distribution programs. Residents should monitor changes to regional benefit requirements, as these shifts can significantly impact household food security and overall nutritional health.
The takeaway
Food insecurity remains a significant health factor for thousands of residents across the state's 67 counties. Individuals who are concerned about consistent access to nutritious food should speak with a primary care provider about local support services and community-based resources.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's nutritional support efforts in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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