Striving to help strengthen women in its communities, Curves is hosting its 12th annual food drive.

Curves throughout the nation and in over 70 countries are holding food drives simultaneously.

Extending a challenge to her members, Leeds Curves owner Julie Ferrell set a goal of raising 2,000 pounds of food.

“Our ladies are very community minded. They’re very giving and really involved in whatever the community needs,” said Ferrell.

Choosing to accept Ferrell’s challenge, the member who brings in the most pounds of food during the month of March wins a Curves jacket.

“This is fun to watch. It’s like watching an eBay bidding war,” said Ferrell. “Members are always coming in asking how many pounds were brought in today?”

Having raised 700 pounds so far, Ferrell has agreed to waive the member sign up fee for the month of March in exchange for new members bringing the equivalent of a full brown bag of groceries.

All of the food collected during the food drive will be divided between Leeds Outreach and Shepherd Supply in Moody.

Both are organizations in the Leeds/Moody area that provide those in need with a hand up.

“Now is the time when these food banks really need food. People contribute so much around the holidays that now they are depleted of donations,” said Ferrell.

Encouraging ladies who coupon to bring any extra supplies they may have, Ferrell is glad to add those to Curves contributions pile.

“The owner of the Scrapbook Princess in Moody mentioned she had extra items from the couponing she does,” said Ferrell. “She brought in three boxes of toiletry items.”

Sending a message of “stronger together” the Leeds Curves is hoping to strengthen more women and the community during its 12th annual food drive.

For more information on contributing to the Leeds Curves 12th annual food drive call 205-702-7011.