Annual United Way Food Drive at the Birmingham Zoo
This month, Birmingham Zoo patrons can enjoy the unique exhibits and special events at the zoo while also fighting hunger throughout the hectic holiday season. During the weekend of Nov. 23-24, all visitors who bring a nonperishable food item to the zoo will receive half-price admission as part of the United Way Canned Food Drive. Donations will go toward the United Way Community Food Bank in Homewood.
“This food drive comes at a good time, because it’s getting colder and gas starts getting higher,” said Brooke McKinley, development and community engagement coordinator for the United Way Community Food Bank. “We are getting busier for the holidays.”
The food bank secures and stores surplus food and distributes it to 220 partnering service agencies throughout 12 counties in Alabama. The bank distributes a total of 7.5 million pounds of food a year and will celebrate its 31st birthday this December. The bank’s special programs include the Weekenders Backpack Program, which provides nutritional food items for schoolchildren, and the Mobile Pantry Program, which delivers food to families in rural areas who lack proper resources.
“We are always looking for unique ways to reach people beyond the traditional food bank,” McKinley said.
The Birmingham Zoo will feature several other unique exhibits, events and specials during November. On Nov. 10 and 11, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive free admission. Visitors’ opportunities include giraffe feeding, sea lion training, pelican feeding, a goat show in the barn and more. Additionally, the zoo’s new Trails of Africa exhibit features a herd of African male elephants, making the zoo a leader in the national effort of elephant conservation. Visitors can also enjoy a train ride around the animal habitats and a carousel ride.
To learn more about the United Way Community Food Bank, visit feedingal.org. For more information on Birmingham Zoo events and exhibits, visit birminghamzoo.com.