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Families, church help feed community |
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Friday, 27 November 2009 |
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By Davida Hill-Beckum
Daily Times Leader
Although many resources and programs are being cut, members of communities continue to provide meals to the less fortunate.
From tax-exempt organizations like Northside Christian Church to individuals like Major Charlie Cox, residents of West Point are entering the holiday season giving the gift of food.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Mississippi leads the nation with the number of food insecure households, or households which were unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their members requiring some to go hungry. Hunger is defined as the uneasy or painful sensation caused by lack of food. Some people may find themselves skipping meals or cutting back on the quality or quantity of food they purchase at the stores. This recurring and involuntary lack of access to food can lead to malnutrition over time. The number of food-insecure U.S. households rose from 13 million in 2007 to 17.1 million in 2008.
According to the Department of Human Services, Clay County has seen an increase in the number of families families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamps during the last year. During June 2008, 22 percent of Clay County residents, or 2,040 households received assistance for a total value $440,715. During June 2009, 26.6 percent of Clay County residents, or 2,365 households received assistance for a total value $659,255. One Clay County resident, Major Charlie Cox is committed to feeding those in need at least once per year.
“In 2003, my husband thought it would be nice to host a community meal,” said Darlene Cox, wife of Major Charlie Cox. “Here we are six years later, still doing it.”
According to Darlene Cox, the couple began serving the meal at Gospel Temple Church, and moved to 219 Commerce Street in 2007, the location of their gift shop.
“The crowd continued to grow and we ran out of space for the people and hands to help serve the food,” Darlene Cox said. “This year our family helped us serve.”
Members of the community also helped clean the building following the meal. Harriet Bragg helped serve Saturday's crowd because it was for a good cause.
“Plus Charlie is my cousin,” Bragg said, “so I did it to help him.”
No one was turned away from Saturday's meal and most people were served multiple times before getting carryout plates. Like the Cox family Saturday, Northside Christian Church isn't turning anyone away from their food pantry this holiday season either.
“We have had families to drive from Starkville to come to the food pantry,” said Jean Smith, administrative assistant of Northside Christian. “I think that may be partly because they know someone is always at the church.”
According to Smith, the pantry is getting low, but the church will continue to feed as many as possible during the holiday season. The pantry feeds an average of five families a month.
“Usually when the food runs out one of the ministries of the church or a family from the congregation will restock the shelves,” said Smith. “This year we are going to host a can drive drive during our Friday Night Live Service.”
Friday Night Live, which is being held in conjunction with Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church on Dec. 11, is an opportunity people to reflect on what God has done for them. Smith says the worship service as a time to sing praises while enjoying music from a choir combined of Northside Christian and Mt Hermon choir members.
“We hope everyone will posses a spirit of thanksgiving,” said Smith. “We are asking everyone who comes out to bring a canned good item so that we can continue to help others.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 30 November 2009 )
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