As Hunger Needs Move to Forefront, Tuscaloosa DJ Holds 60th Food Drive

As hunger needs dominate headlines nationwide, a long-time organizer of an annual food drive has kicked it off for the 60th straight year.

Brother J, the beloved morning show host on Tuscaloosa's 93.3 Praise gospel station, told the Thread he has organized a Thanksgiving food drive every year since 1965, mobilizing his large listener base to collect donations for the West Alabama Food Bank.

The ratings-leading Tuscaloosa DJ raises hundreds of pounds annually, including a 2,000-pound donation in 2021.

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As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history seems to be nearing its end, there have still been serious disruptions to federal food assistance programs, including late and reduced payments of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Brother J's 60th food donation drive kicked off on Monday, and he said he hopes these difficult times for many will spark West Alabama's generosity and lead to a bigger-than-ever event.

Donations are being accepted now at the offices of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, located at 142 Skyland Boulevard East, in the large red barrels in the lobby.

We'll be collecting them until just before Thanksgiving, when the West Alabama Food Bank will come collect the donations that have been dropped off.

For more coverage of news and events in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.

Editor's note: WTSK is owned and operated by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, which is also the parent company of the Tuscaloosa Thread.