As the holiday season approaches, Stew Pot Community Services in Jackson, Mississippi, is spearheading a massive effort to ensure that individuals and families throughout Hinds County have access to the nourishment they need to celebrate Thanksgiving. With the cost of groceries soaring, the organization is determined to provide 1,000 holiday-themed baskets to those struggling to make ends meet.

Ensuring Everyone Can Gather Around the Table This Thanksgiving

Doubling Down on Efforts to Meet Unprecedented Demand

Stew Pot Community Services has witnessed a significant surge in the number of families in need of food assistance, with the executive director, Jill Buckley, noting that the organization has seen more households requiring support this year than even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "During the pandemic, the need doubled. We saw twice as many people coming through to get the food that they needed for the holidays. This year, actually, we're seeing more households needing food than we saw even through the pandemic. So, this is the first year we've hit this level of need during the holidays," Buckley explained.The skyrocketing prices of groceries have forced many families to make difficult choices between putting food on the table and paying their bills. Buckley emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone who desires to gather with loved ones for the Thanksgiving holiday has the opportunity to do so, stating, "Gathering around the table with family and friends at Thanksgiving is what Thanksgiving is about. And so, we really just want to make sure everybody who wants that opportunity, who needs that opportunity to be with family and friends during these crazy and stressful times, has it."

Businesses Step Up to Support the Cause

In response to the growing need, local businesses have rallied to support Stew Pot Community Services' efforts. The Herrin-Gear Automotive Group, for instance, has set up collection boxes at its four locations, gathering food donations for several weeks to contribute to the organization's Thanksgiving basket initiative.Shelly Hux, the director of marketing at Herrin-Gear Automotive Group, expressed the importance of community involvement, saying, "For all four stores, we've got a little box set up, and we collected food for a few weeks and was able to take some down there. If you can't do something like this for other people, what really are we doing?"

Feeding as Many as Possible This Holiday Season

Despite the overwhelming demand, Buckley remains optimistic that Stew Pot Community Services will be able to provide for as many families as possible this Thanksgiving. "Miracles happen at Stew Pot all the time, and it's all going to come together, and people are going to get the food they need," she said.While the deadline for signing up to receive a Thanksgiving basket has passed, individuals and families in need can still register for the organization's Christmas food distribution program. Those interested in donating or signing up can contact Stew Pot Community Services at 601-353-2759 or visit their website.