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The resident physicians at University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Family Medicine Selma have partnered with several area organizations to bring to fruition a “Pass the Pasta” Food Drive.

With the help of Cougar Oil, Winn Dixie, Gospel Tabernacle Church, Selma Area Food Bank, Drug Free Communities of Dallas County (DFC), Selma City Schools (SCS), and the United Way of Selma and Dallas County, UAB Family Medicine Selma hopes to be able to supply those facing hardships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with a shelf-stable pantry staple – pasta.

UAB Family Medicine Resident Physician Dr. Olusunmisola Oyesiku said the initiative came about after a series of brainstorming sessions between the aforementioned partners.

“We were searching for a way to contribute during the crisis,” said Oyesiku.

Oyesiku said pasta was the perfect food to collect during the crisis because of its long shelf life, “multiplying factor” and acceptability across many different diets.

“United Way and UAB Family Medicine Selma are partners on the Doc on the Spot Free Clinic, so when the resident physicians wanted to do something fir the community, I just got our partner network involved and helped them put together to community relationships to make it happen,” said United Way Executive Director Jeff Cothran. “I love to see groups working with existing organizations to make a difference. The young doctors at UAB love this community and are so happy to be a part of it.”

“As a certified Hope Dealer, it brings me so much joy to partner with awesome members of our community to spread hope at a time when it’s most needed,” said DFC Executive Director Jerria Martin. “These partnering organizations are gems in our community. It’s both an honor and pleasure to serve Selma’s families with my fellow Hope Dealers.”

Pasta can be dropped off at Selma Cougar Oil stations, Winn Dixie, the medical towers at Vaughan Regional Medical Center (VRMC), Gospel Tabernacle Church and the central office of Selma City Schools until the end of May.