For more than half a century the Jimmie Hale Mission has worked to keep the bellies of the homeless full.
But over the last two years it's been harder to fulfill that mission.
Director Tony Cooper has his theory on why donations have dropped off.
"Ever since the move, our food donations have taken a drastic decline."
Donations are down to a trickle and that means the shelves which should be overflowing are almost bare in places.
Non-perishables such as canned fruits and vegetables are the top need, but there are many other needs as well.
And if you want to help but are not sure what to bring Cooper says a grocery store gift card could make all the difference.
"That way they give us a gift card and we can go and buy whatever food items we need if we happen to not get it in on a donation and so there's a variety of ways people can help."
The City of Birmingham is sponsoring its second annual food drive to help stock up shelters around the city.
But in the first day donations were slow as well. By lunch just five boxes of non-perishables had been collected.
City employee Linda Coleman says she's hoping the second day of collections at Boutwell Auditorium will pick up.
"If everybody brought a can or some beans or whatever that will go a long way. We're so thankful, and especially during these hard economic times there are a lot of people out of work, there are a lot of families that are suffering right now. But, we can share what we have and everybody can have food for the holidays."
Donations will be taken outside Boutwell from 7am to 4pm on Tuesday. If you can't make it... then any Birmingham Library will also accept donations.
