Congresswoman Terri Sewell was in Tuscaloosa to present a check to a critically important nonprofit with $850,000 she secured in Washington D.C.

Each fiscal year, Sewell appropriates millions of dollars for projects to improve the quality of life in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, which includes some or all of 14 Alabama counties including Tuscaloosa County.

In 2024, she distributed over $13 million, including an $850,000 appropriation to the West Alabama Food Bank.

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That nonprofit distributes food to residents of nine regional counties and has given out more than 17 million pounds of food since its founding in 1987.

Sewell's appropriation will purchase food to distribute but also add a cooler to their 10,000-square-foot warehouse and fund a new community kitchen.

"The funding would be used for increasing the distribution capabilities of the food bank in Alabama's western most counties," Sewell said on her site. "These services will improve the health and wellbeing of seniors and children in the region that lack access and necessary means to acquire fresh food."

Sewell presented the check to the food bank's Executive Director Jean Rykaczewski Tuesday afternoon.

Top Stories from the Tuscaloosa Thread (10/21 - 10/28)

13 of the Top Stories published by the Tuscaloosa Thread during the 43rd week of 2024, which saw the Tide lose again, a few restaurant and retail developments, and the announcement of a mayoral re-election campaign.

Gallery Credit: (Stephen Dethrage | Tuscaloosa Thread)

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