In the heart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a small but mighty organization is making a big impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity. The Edwards Street Fellowship Center, a local food pantry, has been working tirelessly to ensure that families across the Pine Belt region have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Empowering Communities, One Grocery Bag at a Time
Surging Demand and Innovative Solutions
The need for food assistance in the Pine Belt has reached unprecedented levels, with the Edwards Street Fellowship Center distributing over 4,000 grocery bags to those in need just last month. To meet this growing demand, the organization has implemented a cutting-edge software system called Service Insight, designed by Feeding America. This new system not only helps the pantry keep track of its operations but also provides valuable data on food deserts and transportation barriers in the state."We're just going to have a better assurance that our numbers are correct," says Ann McCullen, the Executive Director of the Edwards Street Fellowship Center. "This new system is going to be a game-changer for us and the other 252 agencies, soup kitchens, and food pantries across Mississippi that will be using it."Tackling Food Deserts and Transportation Challenges
The Mississippi Food Network, the organization's partner in this initiative, has a clear mission: to collect data on food deserts and the lack of transportation to food and feeding programs throughout the state. This information will be crucial in ensuring that the Edwards Street Fellowship Center and other food pantries are strategically located and accessible to those who need them most."They wanna make sure they are working with organizations all across the state of Mississippi where they need to be where people can access them," explains McCullen. "This is going to help us better understand the demographics and the types of food that need to be served to families in our community."Ensuring Nutritious Meals for All
The new software system also helps the food pantry keep track of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, ensuring that families can access the resources they need to put food on the table. This holistic approach to food assistance is a testament to the Edwards Street Fellowship Center's commitment to providing nourishing and nutritious meals to all of its neighbors in need."We just want to make sure we are doing the best job we can to provide nourishing and nutritious food for all of our neighbors who are in need," says McCullen. "This new system is going to be a game-changer for us and the other agencies across the state that are working to tackle food insecurity."The Edwards Street Fellowship Center's efforts are not just about handing out food; it's about empowering communities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that no one in the Pine Belt goes hungry. With the help of innovative technology and a dedicated team, this food pantry is leading the charge in the fight against food insecurity, one grocery bag at a time.