The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children is expanding its work to combat child hunger and support vulnerable families in Alabama’s Black Belt, strengthened this month by a new donation from Mark Cuban, that will be doubled through a generous matching pledge.
For seven years, ACHMC has worked in all 67 counties to connect Alabama’s under-resourced families to healthcare, food security programs, housing support, and educational resources. That work continues to grow, especially in counties facing chronic food insecurity such as Perry, Hale, and Sumter.
In Sumter County alone, ACHMC has helped provide 150 beds and weighted blankets for students and delivered secret meals for 74 children—the largest number the organization has ever served in that county. ACHMC leaders say these efforts are part of a larger goal to build systems that allow children to thrive with dignity, no matter their circumstance.
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The organization is currently raising funds for its 2025 Annual Fund in preparation for launching Project Daily Bread in 2026, a three-year initiative bringing community gardens, nutrition education, SNAP enrollment support, and locally based food distribution programs to the Black Belt.
That mission caught the attention of Cuban’s organization, which is contributing $10,000 to support the effort. Because ACHMC also secured an out-of-state donor who has agreed to match all annual fund contributions up to $100,000, Cuban’s gift will effectively become $20,000.
Dr. Gary Furr, founder and president of ACHMC, said the donation will help the Coalition strengthen and expand food security efforts in central Alabama and across the Black Belt.
“We have always sought to find partners who are making a difference and help them do more. Generosity has the power to inspire hope and deeper community. I am so grateful for people who help us to help others. Mr. Cuban has done that. And so have many other donors who are responding with him. We are so excited about the possibilities ahead.”
Brandon Renfroe, an adjunct professor at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, said the impact of increased giving is already evident in Sumter County.
“This will be a tremendous blessing for the children in Sumter County, and everywhere the generous arm of the ACHMC reaches.”
Because of the matching pledge, anyone who contributes to ACHMC’s 2025 Annual Fund or makes a pledge toward the 2026 Annual Fund before December 31 will see their donation doubled.
Supporters can make a contribution or pledge at:
- 2025 Annual Fund
- 2025 Pledge
- 2026 Pledge
ACHMC says every gift contributes not only to feeding children today, but also to building a long-term network of security, dignity and opportunity for families across Alabama.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
