A good meal is something many of us take for granted. But for others, food, especially hot meals for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina and those diligently working to return our lives to some sort of normalcy, is now more scarce than most could imagine just a few days ago. Right now in Jackson there are those who want to help and those in need of knowing where their next meal is coming from. Here's a list of spots to find that next meal, as well as places to donate necessary supplies and assistance.
Hot Meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved the purchase of hot, ready-to-eat foods with food-stamp benefits across the state of Mississippi, through Oct. 31. This temporary assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina means that grocery, convenience and other food stores that accept food stamp benefits can sell these items to their customers. Any store owners with questions are to call their local office of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.
Stewpot Community Services, 1008 W. Capitol St., is serving hot lunch daily. 601-948-2941. Stewpot is an agency of the Mississippi Food Network.
The Salvation Army offers hot meals in several locations—daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Center of Hope, 110 Presto Lane, dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 426 W. Pascagoula St., and a mobile canteen serves lunch at noon at Lee Elementary School, 330 Judy Drive, in South Jackson. In addition to that lunch schedule, the canteen goes from apartment complex to apartment complex in the same area, serving those still without power.
To Donate—What & Where
The American Red Cross needs non-perishable snack foods and fruits such as prepackaged fruit cups, crackers, granola bars, etc. Supplies may be brought directly to the Mississippi Coliseum, or call the American Red Cross volunteer line at 601-503-7795. Monetary donations are accepted also.
The Salvation Army needs donations of canned goods, ice and monetary donations. Contact 601-968-3999.
Lutheran Episcopal Services needs bottled water, canned food, baby formula and baby food, manual can openers, cooking tools, regular and powdered Gatorade, paper plates and plastic cutlery, non-perishable food items, food items for infants and the elderly, food for special diets, such as diabetic, high blood pressure, etc. Take items to Ascension Lutheran Church, 6481 Old Canton Road., 601-965-4263. Donations for Hurricane Katrina Assistance may be made to: Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi. For more information, call 601-948-5954. Or write to P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, Miss., 39225.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency requests that direct donations to MEMA be bulk, bundled in crates or on pallets. Bulk donations should be taken to 4750 Northside Drive at Methodist Home Road in Jackson. Call 601-360-0861 or 601-405-2975. Bulk donations needed include bottled water, non-perishable and easy-open food items.
The Mississippi Food Bank, affiliated with America's Second Harvest, is accepting donations of canned, bagged or boxed non-perishable food such as granola and energy bars, breakfast bars, beef jerky, peanut butter, canned meals (soups, stews, chili and/or pasta) and bottled water. 440 W. Beatty St., Jackson, 601-353-7285. Funds will be accepted—$5 will feed one evacuee for one day.
Christ United Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, 601-956-6974, has opened as a clearinghouse for donations to area shelters. Food needs include non-perishable items, bread, peanut butter, bottled water and can openers.
To Volunteer—What & Where
The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help prepare food and serve food at the shelters. For more information, contact 601-353-5442 or visit http://www.mississippi-redcross.org
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