Councilor Woods announced Oct. 7 that the city will pilot an ARPA-funded grocery at Huffman Middle School aimed at reducing food insecurity among students and their families.

Councilor Woods described the project as a partnership between the city and Birmingham City Schools, using American Rescue Plan Act funding. "By placing this grocery store in the school, we're empowering students to kinda, take some responsibility, help in their own households," Woods said, noting families of students will also have access. Woods invited the public to a grand opening scheduled for Oct. 8 at 12 p.m.

Rotem Alexander, identified by the council as a council member, thanked Woods for taking on the project and said the council is already talking with other schools that might participate as future pilots. City staff did not present a formal ordinance or budget amendment at the Oct. 7 meeting; Woods described the initiative as an ARPA pilot and said the council expects to evaluate results over a two-year period.

City communications will provide more details about operations and eligibility; council members described the pilot as part of broader anti-hunger efforts that include working with community partners and learning from similar programs in other cities.

No vote or formal procurement was recorded on Oct. 7; councilors framed the item as an announcement and community invitation.