Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. partnered with Feeding the Gulf Coast on Tuesday to provide the community with 140 boxes of food.
PRVO Case Manager Lillie Crawford said an estimated 250 residents from all over Pearl River County came to the Raine Street Community Center to receive food.
About 20 volunteers from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Raine Street, PRVO and inmates with the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Department of Corrections helped pass out food.
“Part of their probation process is getting back in touch with the community and knowing the positive side, rather than the negative,” Casey McInnis from MDOC, said.
This was the first time PRVO in Pearl River County partnered with Feeding the Gulf Coast, Crawford said.
The food was distributed within the hour.
Most were glad to receive the assistance—only having to sign their name and list the number of people in their household—while some were, unfortunately, turned away when supplies were depleted, Crawford said.
Many of the recipients were over 60-years-old or had people of that age in their household, according to the sign-in sheets.
“This is important for the community because of the strain put on lower income families to provide food for themselves and their families,” Crawford said.
After paying bills, there isn’t much left over to buy something to eat, she said.
“This is why we need food pantries and food banks to help people receive healthy meals,” Crawford said.
The group was able to distribute all 140 boxes containing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, canned goods, bread and juices, Crawford said.
PRVO hopes to be able to hold another food drive in December, Crawford said.
In the meantime, they can be reached for other services at their office at 204 Julia St. or by calling 601-403-2206.