How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods


Sponsored

<img fetchpriority="high" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" data-attachment-id="1307713" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/red-bird-produce-5/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.2","credit":"Nathan Watson","camera":"ILCE-7M3","caption":"(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)","created_timestamp":"1700515408","copyright":"Bham Now – https://bhamnow.com","focal_length":"35","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.0025","title":"Red Bird Produce","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Red Bird Produce" data-image-description data-image-caption="

Find locally grown fruits + veggies at Red Bird Produce. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?fit=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Red Bird Produce” class=”wp-image-1307713″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 1″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=160%2C107&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-7-scaled.jpg?resize=441%2C294&quality=89&ssl=1 441w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Find locally grown fruits + veggies at Red Bird Produce in Avondale. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Of all the things Birmingham is known for, one of our greatest strengths is how we come together to tackle challenges head-on.

Keep reading to explore five places where you can acquire quality eats in and around The Magic City.

The impacts of food insecurity in Birmingham

According to the City of Birmingham, nearly 70% of the city’s residents live in neighborhoods lacking access to fresh, affordable foods.

That means upwards of 146,000 locals are currently living in food deserts. Many of these individuals are forced to choose between affordable food and food that is nutritious. 

Having food security benefits us all, and several places across our city truly understand just how vital it is.

1. Jones Valley Teaching Farm produce stand

<img loading="lazy" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" data-attachment-id="1245358" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/2023/08/14/jones-valley-local-farm-impacts-birmingham/regions-bank-jones-valley-teaching-farm/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"5.6","credit":"Nathan Watson","camera":"ILCE-7M3","caption":"(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)","created_timestamp":"1689778903","copyright":"Bham Now – https://bhamnow.com","focal_length":"24","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"Regions Bank / Jones Valley Teaching Farm","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Regions Bank / Jones Valley Teaching Farm" data-image-description data-image-caption="

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?fit=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Jones Valley Teaching Farm” class=”wp-image-1245358″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 2″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=160%2C107&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RegionsBankJonesValleyTeachingFarm-6-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s produce stand provides fresh produce to those in need. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Jones Valley Teaching Farm is an incredible nonprofit organization located in downtown Birmingham.

Its onsite, self-serve produce stand rotates a seasonal harvest of more than 200 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs for people in the community to enjoy.

Don’t miss your chance to stock up on free, nutritious produce before November ends.

2. Red Bird Produce | Avondale

<img loading="lazy" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" data-attachment-id="1307710" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/red-bird-produce-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1340&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1340" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.2","credit":"Nathan Watson","camera":"ILCE-7M3","caption":"(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)","created_timestamp":"1700515088","copyright":"Bham Now – https://bhamnow.com","focal_length":"35","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"Red Bird Produce","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Red Bird Produce" data-image-description data-image-caption="

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?fit=800%2C419&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Red Bird Produce” class=”wp-image-1307710″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 3″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C419&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=160%2C84&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C402&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C804&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1072&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Red-Bird-Produce-2-scaled.jpg?resize=560%2C294&quality=89&ssl=1 560w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Red Bird Produce is an Avondale favorite. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Located in Avondale, Red Bird Produce sells affordable, Alabama-grown produce from local farmers.

This accessible-to-everyone grocery store has an assortment of food options for in-store purchase or delivery.

Psst, join their Meal Kit Club for easy-to-prepare meals and exclusive weekly in-store discounts.

3. Marino’s Market | Ensley

<img loading="lazy" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" data-attachment-id="1411404" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/2024/11/14/how-to-find-healthy-food-in-birminghams-food-insecure-neighborhoods/marinos-market-100/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1706" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"ILCE-7M4","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1729619970","copyright":"","focal_length":"70","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.0004","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Marino’s Market-100" data-image-description data-image-caption="

(Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?fit=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Marino’s Market” class=”wp-image-1411404″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 4″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=160%2C107&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Marinos-Market-100-scaled.jpg?resize=441%2C294&quality=89&ssl=1 441w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Marino’s Market in Ensley (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

In 1925, Tony and Mary Marino founded Marino’s Grocery with the mission to serve their local community with quality meats, produce and groceries at affordable prices.

Now, nearly a century later, the Marino family proudly owns and operates this grocery store, serving Ensley with clean and fresh meats, produce and more.

4. Carver Jones Market | Fairfield

<img loading="lazy" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" data-attachment-id="1381254" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/carver-jones-market-fairfield-14/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"Nathan WatsoN","camera":"ILCE-7M3","caption":"(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)","created_timestamp":"1721922789","copyright":"Bham Now – https://bhamnow.com","focal_length":"48.7","iso":"1000","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"Carver Jones Market Fairfield","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Carver Jones Market Fairfield" data-image-description data-image-caption="

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?fit=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Carver Jones Market Fairfield” class=”wp-image-1381254″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 5″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C533&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=160%2C107&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CarverJonesMarketFairfield-14-scaled.jpg?resize=441%2C294&quality=89&ssl=1 441w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Carver Jones Market opened in Fairfield in July. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Carver Jones Market opened on July 31, making it Fairfield’s first grocery store since 2016.

With weekly deals on individual items and discounts for students, seniors and military members, patrons can eat clean without breaking the bank.

This place is more than just a grocery store; the company is also involved in various initiatives like cooking classes and nutrition education.

5. Publix | Midtown

<img loading="lazy" data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="1200" height="856" data-attachment-id="1409649" data-permalink="https://bhamnow.com/2024/11/14/how-to-find-healthy-food-in-birminghams-food-insecure-neighborhoods/fullsizerender-222/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1826&quality=89&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1826" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.78","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 14 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1729511981","copyright":"","focal_length":"6.86","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.000209995800084","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="FullSizeRender" data-image-description data-image-caption="

(Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?fit=800%2C571&quality=89&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C856&quality=89&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender.jpeg?resize=1200%2C856&quality=89&ssl=1″ alt=”Publix in Midtown” class=”wp-image-1409649″ title=”How to find healthy food in Birmingham’s food-insecure neighborhoods 6″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=1200%2C856&quality=89&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=800%2C571&quality=89&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=160%2C114&quality=89&ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C548&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1096&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1461&quality=89&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg?resize=412%2C294&quality=89&ssl=1 412w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”>

Publix is Midtown’s only grocery store. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

Publix Super Market located in Midtown has served the Birmingham community faithfully since 2017.

Publix Super Markets Charities donates fresh produce from farmers to local Feeding America partner food banks across the city.

Its ‘Helping to End Hunger’ initiative also donates a variety of meats, dairy, produce and baked goods to those facing hunger locally.

Where do you find healthy food across Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow + let us know.

Sponsored by:


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *