Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

The local group Feeding Families is known for providing food to families in need across the county. The nonprofit recently held its second fundraiser in partnership with a local business.

The music event was held at Munky’s, which is a venue inside If I Only Had A Band, located in downtown Hartselle.

The pastor of Mt. Tabor Church and founder of Feeding Families E’dee Grun said this event was hosted by the couple who owns the music store, Brian and Kristi Montgomery.

“People, cars and motorcycles started lining up on Main Street at 5 p.m., and they began dropping off food and cash donations,” Grun said. “Three bands gave their time and talent to help raise funds for us. The first band was Forever Broken. The second band was Never Mind the Damage.”

The Feeding Families Program has a food pantry that is open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We hand out bags of groceries to help more than 200 people in need every week,” Grun said. “We also do emergency food assistance seven days a week, as well as opening to help the local communities during natural disasters and times of crisis. Once a month or more, we serve hot meals to those in need as well.”
Grun said feeding this many people takes constant effort to keep the food pantry stocked.
“We operate 100 percent on private donations,” Grun said. “We do not get any type of government funding or grants. Many local businesses have agreed to partner with us – to help out, to be local drop-off points for donations and to host events to help us raise funds and food to be able to operate.

“We at the Feeding Families Program would like to thank the many citizens of Hartselle, of Morgan County and the surrounding counties who turned out in droves to show their support.”

Daze of Broken Fate, a North Alabama band, features (left to right) Chris Portwood, Pastor E’dee Grun, Brian Montgomery and Kenny Owens. The band is among those that have been performing to benefit Feeding Families.