September is the Month of Alabama Food, with Alabamians encouraged to “Buy Alabama’s Best” in their grocery stores. The campaign also provides an opportunity to help seriously ill children while boosting Alabama’s economy, says Charlene Powell, chair of the Butler County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee (BCFFWLC).

The BCFFWLC is joining in the Buy Alabama’s Best campaign to support consumer knowledge about food products made, produced, manufactured and/or headquartered in Alabama.

“These are tough economic times, and it is important to support our local economy,” said committee chair Charlene Powell.

“Alabama food product sales make a $2 billion impact on our state’s economy and tax base and along with the grocery and food service industries, employ one out of every four Alabamians.”

Not only will buying Alabama products benefit the economy, this month it will also support finding a cure for childhood cancer, Powell said.

“A portion of sales of participating Alabama products in September will go to Children’s Hospital of Alabama, which is the 10th busiest pediatric medical center in the United States. Ninety-five percent of the children in Alabama treated for cancer and other blood disorders are treated at Children’s,” Powell said.

To date, more than $170,000 has been raised for the hospital through the Buy Alabama’s Best campaign.

Retailers from across the state will be supporting this campaign in their stores with Alabama product displays, ads, signage, special promotions, and will also sell Children’s Hospital icons to support the fight to find a cure for pediatric cancers.

“We are asking for consumers to support this campaign in their local grocery stores. Please help Alabama producers and Children’s Hospital by purchasing Alabama grown and produced goods,” Powell said.

Participating companies include Golden Flake Snack Foods, Conecuh Sausage, Milo’s Tea, Alaga/Whitfield Foods, Barber’s Dairy/Mayfield, Mrs. Stratton’s Salads, Zeigler, Kelley Foods and more.

For a complete list of “Buy Alabama’s Best” participating companies, visit www.buyalabamasbest.com.