It’s a topic we don’t have often talk — or even want to think about— in America, but there are people who go hungry in our country every day.

According to feedingamerica.org, 48.1 million Americans live in food insecure households, including 15.3 million children.

Poverty and food insecurity go hand-in-hand and affects children and the elderly disproportionately.

Households that have higher rates of food insecurity than the national average include households with children (19 percent), especially households with children headed by single women (35 percent).

Friday will offer a way citizens can support local efforts to make sure people in need don’t go hungry in Selma and Dallas County.

The Christian Outreach Alliance food pantry will hold its second Stock the Shelves food drive and fundraiser today.

The event was a great success last year, and organizers hope for the same community support this time.

Beginning at 7 a.m., volunteers will be on hand at the pantry to accept canned foods or monetary donations.

“People can just drive up — they’re welcome to just drive through,” said Jacque Johnson, a volunteer at the pantry. “We’ll have volunteers in the parking lot. We can take their money or their canned goods, whatever they want to donate to us. Or if they want to come in and see the facility, they’re welcome to do that as well.”

The food pantry is located at 700 J.L. Chestnut Blvd. Volunteers will be there until at least 6 p.m.

The food pantry helps approximately 250 families a week.