As the government shutdown enters its 36th day and SNAP benefits remain on hold, many Alabamians are worried about where their next meal will come from.
For those in Jasper, one favorite restaurant is stepping in to help feed children in the area.
Alabama Stackers announced that children will eat free at its restaurant beginning November 1 and continuing until SNAP benefits are restored.
The local eatery is offering a free Grilled Cheese Kid’s Meal for any child dining in, no purchase necessary and no questions asked.
“We believe that no child should worry about their next meal and that every individual has the responsibility to help their community when able, according to their gifts and talents,” the restaurant said in a social media post announcing the initiative.
The restaurant’s generosity has sparked an overwhelming response from the community. According to Alabama Stackers, residents have been reaching out asking how they can help support the effort.
Donations are being accepted at the restaurant or through CashApp at $ALstackers, and 100% of contributions will go back into the local community.
Co-owner Justin McKinney said the idea started simply: A desire to feed as many children as possible.
“We didn’t ask for donations,” McKinney told Yellowhammer News. “The community just kind of came together by themselves, supporting it. Our goal was to feed a few kids, and now it looks like we’re going to end up feeding a lot of kids.”
Since the effort began, Alabama Stackers has served around 20 children, mostly elementary-age, and plans to continue serving anyone in need.
“It’s a no-questions-asked kind of thing,” McKinney explained. “As long as the kids are here, we’re feeding anybody who needs it.”
The generosity has deeply moved both staff and patrons. McKinney described the impact the situation has had on community members who also want to feed hungry kids.
Speaking of those who want to give, McKinney said, “Every day there’s somebody in here in tears, and then we’re back here trying not to cry. It’s been pretty emotional for the past week or so.”
McKinney shared that the restaurant’s mission goes beyond business — it’s about purpose.
“There’s a William Carey quote that says, ‘I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding in something that doesn’t matter.’ That’s kind of been our stance since we started this business,” he said.
“If every day of my labor doesn’t help others and help our community, then the success really doesn’t matter.”
The restaurant, co-owned by brothers Justin and Nick McKinney and Josh Fowler, has been serving the Jasper area for nearly four years. They’ve long been active in local giving, from disaster relief and school partnerships to supporting women’s shelters and homeless outreach programs.
“This has been our mission since day one — to give back, to build our local community,” McKinney said. “Whether I fail or not at this point, I can count it as success because of what we’re doing.”
He said other nearby businesses have since joined the effort.
“I’m even proud of the other restaurants around us who came up after us and said, ‘Let’s follow their lead,’” McKinney said. “Now multiple businesses are helping too.”
The restaurant’s social media post has been shared widely by local groups, including The Walker Leader, The Lakeside Life – Smith Lake Alabama, All Things Walker County, and Jasper Main Street.
“We just wanted to relieve some of the burden,” McKinney said. “People are struggling, especially going into the holidays. If we can make it a little easier for even a few families, that’s what it’s all about.”
Alabama Stackers, located at 108 19th Street East, Jasper, AL, is open Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
