Fight Food Insecurity
PARENTS PREPARE FOR LOSS OF SUMMER SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS
MS Gulf Coast (June 20, 2024) – Many families who rely on school programs to provide meals for their children during the summer breaks may have to look for other alternatives this year. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided additional funding to eligible families to cover food expenses during the summer vacation, but unfortunately, some of these funds will not be available this year.
"Many families depend on their local school to help provide the nutrition children need," Major Jerry Friday, Area Commander explained. "But with school not in session, some parents will have to use their limited resources to purchase items. Sometimes, that means not paying a utility bill or being able to afford vital medicines because those funds now have to pay for groceries."
Compounding the problem, the lack of available funds places an additional strain on already taxed food banks and other non-profit organizations. The Center of Hope in Gulfport and Pascagoula reports that they have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals and families requesting assistance.
"We are seeing more demand this summer than before," said Major Jerry Friday, Area Commander. Families are turning to food pantries to help make up the difference, and we are scrambling to keep up with the increased needs."
"We are asking for the community to help us provide basic nutrition for families," Major Jerry Friday says. "The need for food donations is reaching critical stages. The last thing we want is to turn a family away because we have nothing to give them."
For additional information or to find a local food pantry near you, please contact Center of Hope- Gulfport at 228-374-8301 serving Harrison, Hancock, Stone, Pearl River Counties, or Center of Hope- Pascagoula at 228-762-7222 serving Jackson and George Counties. Donations can be made online by following this link https://bit.ly/3bCCfN9 or visiting our website. Non-perishable food items will be accepted at any Salvation Army location during operating hours.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helped nearly 24 million people in 2023 overcome poverty, addiction, and spiritual and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every zip code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 operation centers nationwide. For more information, visit salvationarmyusa.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood. For more information, visit Salvationarmyalm.org or SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.