Having access to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat is a blessing many of us take for granted, especially during this season of feasting.

With so many gatherings of friends and family, it can be hard for us to imagine what a holiday would look like without each other’s company and plates full of food.

But for other Pearl River County residents, every day is a struggle to put food on the table, no matter the celebrations going on around them.

With this in mind, local food pantries and non-profits are collecting donations to ensure every member of our community has a warm, delicious meal in their belly on Christmas.

Recently, a mobile pantry event was held in Poplarville where thousands of pounds of food were distributed.

The organization provided quality, nutritious food to over 250 area residents struggling with food insecurity.

It’s one thing to have access to boxed or canned food, but to receive fresh produce can be a huge blessing for many.

While you’re out shopping for groceries to make Christmas meals for family and friends, stop and put a little something extra in your basket to donate to someone in need.

Places like the Crossroads Food Pantry and Christian Care Ministries, in addition to many churches and other organizations, are happy to accept whatever you can give.

Attending the mobile pantry this week, I saw hundreds of faces, young and old, walk through those doors and light up at the sight of a box full of food waiting for them to take home.

Volunteers and participants greeted each other with warm hugs, without a single word of ingratitude or complaint. Everyone was happy to be there and the spirit of Christmas was very much in the air.