Feeding the Pine Belt: United Way's Vital "Can-paign" to Combat Food Insecurity

In a time of rising grocery prices and economic uncertainty, the United Way of the Pine Belt region is stepping up to address a critical need in the community – food insecurity. Through a one-day "Can-paign" food drive, the organization aims to stock the shelves of local food pantries, ensuring that families in the area have access to the nourishment they require, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Combating Hunger, Uplifting the Community

Reviving a Vital Initiative

After a brief hiatus, the United Way is reviving its "Can-paign Food Drive" to tackle the growing issue of food insecurity in the Pine Belt region. The organization has recognized the urgent need for assistance, as the number of families seeking help from local food pantries continues to rise."Our organization exists in our community to address any urgent needs that may come to the table," explained Ali Rogers, the United Way Resource Development manager. "And one of the most critical needs for our partner agencies right now is food insecurity."

Targeting Strategic Locations

The United Way has strategically chosen three Corner Market locations in Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Petal as the collection points for the one-day "Can-paign." This decision aims to maximize the reach and impact of the drive, ensuring that donations can be easily accessed by community members across the Pine Belt region."In this one-day-only, community-wide food drive, United Way is asking people in Hattiesburg, Oak Grove and Petal to donate non-perishable food items with hopes of keeping shelves stocked and bellies full across the Pine Belt," the organization stated.

Addressing the Growing Need

The timing of the "Can-paign" is particularly crucial, as the holiday season approaches and families face the challenge of maintaining their pantries. Maggie West, the United Way Christian Services executive director, highlighted the impact of school breaks on household food supplies."You know, kids were home for fall break, and now we're fixing to get the winter months, (when) they're home more because it's dark earlier. And so, they're at home earlier, they're usually hungrier," West explained.The rising cost of groceries has also contributed to the increasing demand for assistance from local food pantries. Christian Services in Hattiesburg has witnessed a surge in the number of families seeking their services, underscoring the growing need in the community.

Partnering with Trusted Agencies

The United Way has identified three key partner agencies to receive the donations collected during the "Can-paign": Edwards Street Fellowship Center Food Pantry, Christian Services, and Hope Collective's Marion County Food Pantry. These organizations have a proven track record of serving the community and addressing food insecurity.Ann McCullen, the executive director of Edwards Street Fellowship Center Food Pantry, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "We're serving more than 2,000 households every month. During the pandemic, we were stunned when we had two months that reached 1,700 households. So, we are far exceeding what we thought we would never see again."

Empowering the Community to Give

The United Way's "Can-paign" is a call to action for the community to come together and support their neighbors in need. Maggie West emphasized the importance of this collective effort, highlighting the impact it can have on families struggling with food insecurity."We have the same story of, 'I've never had to ask for help before, but what do you offer? How can I get some help with food?'" West said. "Or, you know, there still are utilities and all the other things, but this canned food drive will make it where we can bless so many more people."The United Way is encouraging residents of Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Petal to donate a variety of non-perishable food items, including peanut butter, canned meat, rice, dried red beans, canned vegetables, canned soups/ravioli, canned fruit, pasta, cereal, and dry pet food. These donations will be crucial in stocking the shelves of the partner agencies and ensuring that families in the Pine Belt region have access to the nourishment they need.