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It’s hard to believe there are people in our Simpson County community who are going to bed hungry. But, it’s true. That’s why it’s important to continue food donations after the holidays.
Food pantries provide a vital resource to our community. While food pantries provide food for struggling households throughout the entire year, they are typically busier during cold weather months.
Food donations are especially important to food pantries at the beginning of the year because of the high costs and other challenges families face during the winter months.
Just ask Karen Temple with Overflow Church’s Food Pantry in Magee.
“We do have higher numbers around the holidays and on into February. This may be due to cold weather or increased spending,” said Overflow Church’s Karen Temple.
“In January something happens to that (holiday) generosity. We are all tightening belts, and it is felt on the pantry and food bank level. That is why we need people to remember the need and continue to give,” Temple continued.
A local nonprofit, Katina’s Klassroom, is trying to shed light on the issue. They also donated canned goods to the church.
“Families often face extra expenses at the end of the year, such as holiday gifts, food for gatherings, heating bills, etc.,” said Katina’s Klassroom founder Katina Rankin. “Children may be home from school for a few weeks, missing out on school lunches and breakfast. But, we know hunger doesn’t stop after the holidays. So, we wanted to start the New Year by giving back to those who help families with children.”
Hunger isn’t seasonal. It doesn’t begin the same day as the first Turkey Drive in November, and it doesn’t end the day after New Year’s celebrations.
“Research shows as the new year begins and the Christmas cheer fades, so do the contributions to food banks leaving fewer supplies to hand out daily for the rest of the year,” said Rankin.
Food donations stock shelves at food banks, soup kitchens, pantries, and shelters. Simply put, donations put food on the table for families in need.
Some items that food banks often need include:
- Canned soup, fruit, vegetables, stew, fish, and beans
- Pasta, preferably whole-grain
- Rice, preferably brown rice.
For Overflow Church, “Our most urgent needs are things that cost more or people may not have access to: meat, fruit, peanut butter, rice, and breakfast items. Also, canned chili, stew, and dumplings are needed. Almost all of our clients have housing, so most of our items require cooking. We do keep some “quick” foods on hand, too, for those few who are homeless, but they usually come into the church during the week and work with the Compassion Team. For those, we like to keep the individual servings of ramen, mac and cheese, soup, peanut butter, crackers, meat, fruit cups, etc.,” said Temple.
“Monetary donations can also be helpful because they give food banks the flexibility to purchase a variety of foods,” said Rankin. “Start your year off in the giving spirit and being a blessing in the new year.”
Katina’s Klassroom Board Chairman and former WLBT and WLOX journalist Jessica Bowman said, “We strive to carry out the Christian mission of helping others in need through service and loving thy neighbor. Together we can make change. On behalf of Katina’s Klassroom, it is a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ through the empowerment of this non-profit. You can help us in our mission by going to www.katinasklassroom.com and donating.”
“We accept food and money and prayer and volunteers! Cash donations can be given to Overflow Church with “pantry” in the memo. That mailing address is 222 Railroad Dr. E Magee, MS 39111. Food can be dropped off at the church during normal business hours. The pantry may be contacted by calling 601-721-8522 or emailing overflowfoodpantry@gmail.com or calling the church at 601-423-6251,” Temple said.
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