Your Child Won’t Go Hungry in Northeast Mississippi
Over the past year, inflation has surged. What this means is we get LESS for our money than we used to. Things that used to cost $1 now cost $1.10, $1.25 or more.
Sometimes we pay the same price we used to, but get less. It’s a trick of grocery packaging. For instance, a can of soup that used to contain 14 ounces now contains 12 ounces. Most people never notice that they’re getting less, because the design on the can looks the same. This method of giving people less is often called “shrinkflation.”
For most families across the country, the grocery store bill is higher than ever. According to the Economic Research Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.), the “Food Price Outlook, 2022” study reported that the cost of groceries purchased in February 2022 was 8.6-percent higher than what the same items cost a year before, in February 2021. That’s a really big increase in costs over just a year’s time!
While wealthy families can deal with some of these extra costs, families who are “just making it” every month are finding it more and more difficult to provide proper nutrition for their children.
While schools occasionally provide a summer feeding program to help parents while school is not in session, some can’t find transportation to get their children to the school, or have trouble even buying just dinners for a large family. Thankfully, the generous charities of Northeast Mississippi are there to pick up the slack when the family piggy bank is completely empty.
Following is a list of area nonprofits who may be able to help the needy. Please note that the food pantries and meal kitchens mentioned below are listed as United Way Partners, but this info has not been independently verified by Parents & Kids. Although we are fairly sure the United Way keeps its partner lists up-to-date, the details of what is offered – for instance, rules for qualifying for assistance, hours of operation, etc. – may change, based upon funding, number of volunteers, demand, etc. For this reason, we suggest you CALL AHEAD or research the pantry online before setting out.
Amory Food Pantry
(662)350-5551
123 South Main Street, Amory
This pantry distributes meals to needy North Monroe County residents on Tuesday mornings between 8 and 11 am.
F.A.I.T.H. (Food Available in This House) Food Pantry
(662)963-2608
1338 Maple Road, Nettleton
Provides a regular food source for families in Itawamba, Lee and Monroe counties.
Fulton United Methodist Food Pantry
(662)862-9530
P.O. Box 907, Fulton
Provides Itawamba County families qualified under USDA guidelines with food on the third Saturday of each month.
Good Samaritan Center Union County
(662)534-0931
845 B Sam T Barkley, New Albany
Provides emergency food and help with expenses such as rent and energy bills for Union County families who are unemployed or low-income.
Helpful Samaritan Food Pantry
(662)423-3707
119 Eastport St., Iuka
Gives limited assistance in meeting basic needs for Tishomingo County families during times of crisis.
Itawamba United Methodist Food Pantry West
(662)282-4325
310 Mustang Drive, Mantachie
Distributes food to Itawamba County families with children who qualify under the USDA guidelines.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
(662)813-3500
200 East Canal Street, Aberdeen
Provides food to needy families in South Monroe County on the fourth Saturday of each month between 8 and 11 a.m.
Mission Okolona
(662)891-7243
P.O. Box 537, Okolona
Distributes food to Chickasaw County families in need, according to the USDA guidelines.
St. Luke United Methodist Food Pantry
(662)842-6522
1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo
Provides food baskets on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to Lee County families who meet the qualifications.
The Salvation Army
(662)842-0301
527 Carnation St., Tupelo
Provides Lee, Monroe, Prentiss and Union County families in need with emergency food, shelter, and other necessities. A meal is available for the hungry on weekdays (Mondays through Fridays) at 12 noon.
