A local non-profit unloaded 5,000 pounds of fresh food at the Raine Street Community Center this week and distributed it to local families in need.
The Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. partnered with Feeding the Gulf Coast for the third time this year to hold a mobile pantry in Pearl River County.
On Tuesday, PRVO and 24 volunteers from the Raine Street Community Center, the Mississippi Department of Corrections and other individuals, distributed food to 138 households, PRVO Case Manager Lillie Crawford said.
The mission statement of PRVO states the organization aims, “To provide community services promoting self-sufficiency for disadvantaged individuals, families and businesses by establishing partnerships in Mississippi.”
The effort provided food to 138 households, occupied by 277 people, 78 of which are senior citizens. Each household was provided with fresh meat, produce and canned goods at no cost, Crawford said.
With the holiday season in full swing, she said items like whole turkeys, hams, pork shoulders and other foods would help make family gatherings more joyful.
Though they had about the same number of families as previous distributions, Crawford said this time the organization issued more fresh, healthy foods and didn’t have to turn anyone away.
“Everyone was very pleased with the boxes that were served,” she said.
Afterward, Crawford said she received a lot of gratitude from the clients of the mobile pantry. One participant told her he wasn’t sure how he would be able to feed his family in the coming weeks. He said receiving donations from the mobile pantry allowed him to supplement his family’s food supply until the next paycheck, Crawford said.
The mobile pantry was funded by a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, which allotted money for two more distribution events this year.
Crawford said she hopes to continue the program next year.
“Everyone was happy and we’re very pleased this has come to the community,” Crawford said.
Pearl River County residents seeking assistance from PRVO can contact the office at 601-403-2206.