[Assistant Editor's Note: The following press release features Steven Thomas (Delta Kappa/Ball State 2005). It originally appeared on Table of Grace Pantry's Facebook page.]

Table of Grace Welcomes New Executive Director Steven Thomas

Table of Grace, a client-choice food pantry serving West Alabama, has named Steven Thomas as its new Executive Director.

“We are excited to welcome Steven,” Board of Directors President Brooke Peterson said. “He is a deeply committed social work professional who is clearly passionate about service and social justice,” Peterson said.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the Executive Director,” Thomas said. “Table of Grace has a remarkable history of making a positive impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and to walk alongside such a caring, committed, and faith-filled community as we work to end food insecurity and promote community throughout West Alabama,” Thomas said.

“Steven joins us at a crucial time of growth,” Peterson said. “We recently secured our 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation from the IRS, making the Pantry eligible for a wider range of grants, donations, and strategic partnerships that will enhance our ability to provide consistent, nutritious food to our neighbors,” Peterson said.

Across West Alabama, 15% to 31% of residents are food insecure – meaning a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life – according to West Alabama Food Bank’s website. This is significantly higher than the national average of 12.7%.

Thomas has more than 15 years in administration and leadership, with three years in the non-profit sector working with community partners to provide culturally relevant support to diverse populations.

In his most recent role as a Program Coordinator for the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, Thomas promoted mental health literacy and suicide prevention through initiatives like QPR training and social-emotional learning curricula. Thomas helped secure significant funding, including a $1 million Jeff Bezos Day One grant to help families in need.

Thomas and his wife, Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas, have four children and have resided in Tuscaloosa for the past 13 years. He earned a Master of Social Work from The University of Alabama (2025) and an MA from Sam Houston State University in Higher Education Administration (2013).

“One of the Pantry’s guiding principles is that feeding people should always involve dignity and human connection, which resonates deeply with me,” Thomas said. “Here, neighbors are empowered with choice, agency over what they eat, when they eat, and how they receive care. That belief is powerful, and it is one I hold deeply,” Thomas said.

The Board of Directors expresses deep appreciation to outgoing Executive Director Emily Altman, who has served in a volunteer capacity for the past two years as the Pantry evolved from a traditional model providing pre-packed bags of food into a market-style, client-choice model.

Table of Grace is the only market-model food pantry in the area. Food is displayed much like in a grocery store and clients – who staff refer to as “neighbors” – select from available inventory using a point system. This dignity-focused model respects individual preferences and dietary restrictions and reduces waste as people only choose what they will use. An on-site garden provides fresh produce and hands-on educational opportunities as well.

Members of the staff and Board of Directors are happy to speak to community groups and schedule Pantry tours for potential partners.

For more information or to get involved, visit https://gracetuscaloosa.org/tog/ or contact Dianna Shaw, Table of Grace Communications Co-Chair, at didigayle@yahoo.com.

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