Students Learn Business Skills Inside Huffman Middle’s New On Campus Grocery

On Wednesday, Huffman Middle School in Birmingham made history as Alabama's inaugural institution to unveil an in-school grocery store, ensuring that students and their families have access to food. Local resident Brenda Craig, a grandmother of two enrolled at the school, expressed her appreciation: “I’ve had a lot of things come up where I have to choose to pay bills and not able to get things that they need.” Initially hesitant to attend the event, she recognized the store's significance: “Now, this will help me.” This initiative, managed by Goodr—a company dedicated to fighting food waste and hunger—addresses the essential needs of the school community. Principal Jeffery Willis emphasized the importance of battling hunger alongside academic success. The 300-square-foot store provides fresh produce and essentials exclusively to enrolled families, who can access it at no cost multiple times monthly. Goodr founder Jasmine Crowe-Houston underscored the intentionality behind this venture, while Superintendent Mark Sullivan noted the positive return on investment for such programs. Support from Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods ensures sustenance for students over the next two years.