LUMBERTON, Miss. — The South Forrest County Food Pantry is celebrating its first anniversary, and it’s been quite a journey. Families gathered recently to share meals and stock up on food so the pantry can keep serving the community.
Dan Lee, the pantry’s president, shared how unexpected this growth has been. “We started out thinking we’d help around 25 families, but we gave out 41 bags on our first day,” he said. “Now, we’re reaching over 100 families and distributing about 143 bags each month.”
One regular recipient, Liberty Nelson, expressed her gratitude. “Two years ago, my husband had an accident, and now we live on a fixed income,” she said. “The help we get from Dan and the team is a lifesaver for us and others in need.”
Terri Bell, president of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the pantry’s importance. She noted the growing number of families relying on it. “I’ve seen firsthand how many people come for food. It’s heartwarming to know there’s a resource available right here,” Bell pointed out.
Food insecurity is a common issue across the U.S. Recent studies show that nearly 10% of American households experience food insecurity at some point during the year. Local pantries, like this one, play a vital role in addressing these needs.
If you’re interested in supporting the South Forrest County Food Pantry, you can donate food through the Pine Belt Foundation or one of the Forrest County offices. Monetary donations are also appreciated, just be sure to specify they’re for the pantry.
In the age of social media, many community-focused initiatives like this one have gained attention online, encouraging others to start similar programs. It’s clear that local efforts can make a big difference, transforming lives one meal at a time.
For more information about food insecurity and how you can help, visit Feeding America, a leading organization devoted to fighting hunger in the U.S.
Source link
south forrest county food pantry,food,pantry,dan lee,liberty nelson,terri bell,forrest county,forrest county news,lumberton,lumberton news,board of supervisors,food bag,family,community,event,one year,anniversary,celebration,wdam,wdam 7
