Words and Images by Marla Price
For nearly three decades, Main Street Ministries has quietly and faithfully lived out its motto: “Serving those in need with the love of Jesus.” The volunteer-run organization is a steady source of hope for families across Winston County.
“No one has a title. Everyone just shows up and makes it happen,” says longtime volunteer Betty McDougal, who has served with Main Street Ministries for 19 years.
That simple philosophy has carried the ministry through changing seasons, economic uncertainty, and even a global pandemic.
J.D. Snoddy, the chairman of Main Street’s Board of Directors, adds, “We’ve never gone a week without distributing food.”
Main Street Ministries was founded 27 years ago by retired educators Sharon Posey and Judy Barton. According to Snoddy, “It was on those educators’ hearts to help people, and when they carried their idea to local pastors, it just took off.”
Other early supporters were key to Main Street’s success. One of those volunteers, Mr. Jim Baird, was a mainstay of the group, serving until his death in 2024. Volunteers today remember his service to the organization and to his community. McDougal and volunteer David Ulz stress Mr. Baird’s commitment to service through his willingness to meet people in need at any hour of the day or night. “If he knew they were hungry,” stated McDougal, “he did whatever he could to help them.”
Each Tuesday from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., volunteers gather to distribute food boxes to families in need. The boxes—what McDougal calls “a bill of groceries”—include canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and sauce, milk, meat, cereal, peanut butter, and other items. Families may visit once per month and register once per year, with new clients providing a photo ID and proof of residence.
In 2025 alone, Main Street Ministries served an average of 147 families per month, and organizers ensure that no family goes without during the holidays. At Thanksgiving, turkeys are distributed, and at Christmas, families receive chickens. Ingredients for traditional side dishes are provided during both holidays.
Much of Main Street’s work is made possible through strong community partnerships. Wal-Mart in Haleyville donates frozen meat, which volunteers pick up twice weekly, and Dollar General, especially the Addison location, has been generous with food donations.
Main Street also utilizes the USDA Food Bank in Birmingham, where they purchase items at reduced costs; however, volunteers carefully plan and budget to ensure good stewardship of fiscal resources. Volunteers Laura Ulz and Diane Watson write grants to secure funding for items, and the Walker Area Community Foundation has provided additional support.
Fundraising also plays a critical role in sustaining these efforts, which is why the upcoming Empty Bowls Dinner is so important. Funds raised from Empty Bowls are split between Main Street Ministries and the Winston County Arts Council, supporting both food security and arts education in the community.
Empty Bowls attendees enjoy all-you-can-eat soup and can take home a handcrafted bowl, created by Winston County Arts Council students and volunteers. The bowls are a reminder that an empty bowl represents hunger, but a shared meal represents hope.
That spirit of service extends beyond food. Main Street Ministries works to connect clients with additional community resources. In the past, the organization has offered GED classes, Ready to Work programs, and CDL training, and they are currently exploring partnerships with Wallace State to provide educational opportunities once again. Volunteers have also helped connect individuals to healthcare through Capstone Clinic—leading to life-changing outcomes, including access to cancer treatment and affordable diabetes medication.
Snoddy emphasizes that God is the one who has made it all possible, stating, “We cannot fix one box of food without God providing the resources,” Snoddy says. Time after time, provision has come through countless donations of food, funds, and time.
The volunteers gather each week to serve their community with dignity, and though McDougal insists that she is not the one in charge, she states, laughing, “I’ll put you to work, though.” Eugene Godsey, a volunteer of six years, sums it up simply: “We all work together pretty well.”
And that is the heart of the story: neighbors helping neighbors, quietly and consistently, empowered by faith, compassion, and a shared belief that no one should go without. Through Main Street Ministries, Winston County continues to prove that when a community comes together, love shows up in very tangible ways. 67
Empty Bowls will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m. at the Double Springs Municipal Building. The cost is $15 for adults, and children 12 and under eat free unless they want a handcrafted bowl, which are $10 each.
