PETAL — Food assistance for families in southeast Mississippi is shrinking. Governor Tate Reeves has chosen to opt out of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the second year. This decision has left many families struggling to afford meals.
Food banks are feeling the impact. As summer approaches, the demand for help is rising, but resources are limited.
Mary McMichael, who manages the Petal Children’s Task Force, describes the uncertainty: “It’s feast or famine. We never know how much food we’ll have or when it will arrive.” The situation is dire in Mississippi, a state known for high levels of hunger. According to Feeding America, about 553,610 people, or nearly one in five residents, do not get enough to eat.
The situation is even worse for children. Almost 159,370 kids in Mississippi experience hunger. Addressing this issue would require over $380 million to ensure that everyone receives sufficient food.
Pastor Arnold Larry of the Lord’s Pantry in Jackson shared his concerns: “When parents can’t feed their children, it creates a panic. The cuts really impact them, and we feel the ripple effect.” With limited funds, food pantries are doing their best to provide for families. Larry added, “The $1,000 we receive monthly isn’t enough to meet the growing demand.”
Why did Mississippi decline federal assistance? Reports indicate that Governor Reeves refused to enroll the state in the Summer Food Program, known as SUN Bucks, stating it was part of avoiding expanded welfare programs. However, representatives from the Mississippi Department of Human Services mentioned they lacked the resources to roll out the program effectively. Eleven other states also chose not to join SUN Bucks for similar reasons.
Without these funds, families miss out on vital grocery assistance aimed at helping children eat healthy during breaks from school. Reeves’ decision reflects a broader trend in Mississippi, where many federal aid programs have been rejected, including Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
Federal programs like SUN Bucks would have added about $38 million in grocery assistance last year, allowing families to buy fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more. With grocery costs rising, many families now find it challenging to put food on the table. Frances Nixon, a social worker at the Salvation Army in Hattiesburg, noted a significant uptick in those seeking food assistance in recent months.
Food insecurity greatly affects individuals and families, leading to serious health and social issues. Residents of Mississippi spend a larger share of their income on food compared to many other states. Contributing factors include a high food sales tax and lower median incomes.
Recent USDA reports show that over 374,000 households with children face severe food insecurity. In southeast Mississippi, food insecurity manifests in several ways:
- Uncertainty about their next meal.
- Skipping meals or eating smaller portions.
- Lack of access to fresh foods.
- Dependence on convenience stores due to the absence of supermarkets.
- Choosing between food and other essential expenses like rent and healthcare.
Nixon emphasized the struggle families face: “Sometimes we don’t have enough food to meet the demand. When that happens, I refer families to other assistance programs.”
As summer approaches, food pantries anticipate an even greater need for services. Larry expects to see more calls for help as families seek assistance. “I just hope I can meet the demand,” he said.
National organizations like Move for Hunger highlight the additional strain on hunger relief organizations without successful summer feeding programs. Hunger negatively affects mental and physical health, leading to long-term issues for individuals, especially children.
To combat rising food insecurity, local organizations are stepping up. The Salvation Army is preparing an increase in service for children, anticipating that more families will struggle over the summer months. Additionally, groups like Springboard to Opportunities are offering cash assistance to families, an effort initiated last summer when the state opted out of federal assistance.
Despite the efforts of community organizations and food banks, food insecurity in Mississippi continues to grow. As the summer months near, many are anxious to find solutions that address the root causes of hunger while providing immediate support.
Check out this related article: How NYC’s Congestion Pricing Impacts Food Distribution: Navigating the Squeeze on Fresh Supply
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