ABSTRACTObjective: The purpose of this study is to understand the issue of food insecurity in DeKalb County, Alabama. By focusing on previous studies of food insecurity and doing interviews with locals in the community, I address how they understand, cope with, and experience food insecurity. I investigated how people experience food insecurity and how people understand the problem of food insecurity. I also interviewed people working as volunteers in various roles, as interventions of food insecurity. Methods: As a researcher, interviews, observations, and previous literature on the topic show me how local meal providers determine what they serve their families, in addition to the reality of access to foods. Some of the issues I examined include: How does food insecurity affect households in DeKalb County, Alabama, specifically Valley Head and Hammondville, Alabama? Results: The importance of food nutrition and food insecurity are not always a question of choice. Each participant from diverse backgrounds stated access (location proximity and transportation) and money is how they choose the foods they eat and feed their families. All ten participants are knowledgeable about what is considered “healthy foods” by USDA standards. Time, money, and convenience ultimately are the deciding factors in consumption. Conclusions: While local food movements help with the issue of food insecurity, more still needs to be done. The root cause of food insecurity is poverty. By examining the realities of poverty, what it feels like to be poor in Alabama, and the culture of poverty in the state, my research shows that social and political policies must be changed to help the community.