Photo by Thomas Graning I The Daily Mississippian
Volunteers work to unload a shipment of food at The Food Pantry in Oxford in April.
Mississippi’s nickname, “the Hospitality State” is well-earned, and Oxford is adding to the tradition this holiday season. The Pantry and More Than A Meal are two local nonprofit charities that provide more than just meals for the hungry. Here are details on how everyone, especially those at The University of Mississippi, can give back to their community.
Following the school calendar, More Than A Meal takes place every Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m. to provide dinner that night at the Stone Center on Washington Avenue. The food is for all who are hungry, but not just for good food.
“The Christian mentality makes a difference in a community. More Than A Meal is a great time for our community to come together and share in a meal,” said Kristy Bridgers, president of the charity’s board.
In fact, at each meal there are opportunities for Ole Miss students and volunteers to come tutor and play with the kids or serve food to the attendees. Single mothers, senior citizens and families who struggle to get by on a daily basis are among those whom More Than A Meal aims to help.
Mingling and talking is sometimes the most important duty for volunteers on these Tuesday night gatherings, continuing the theme of fellowship and community. Volunteers are still encouraged to come as early as 4 p.m. to help set up and get the food ready.
Ole Miss’s Greek system has already begun to reach out to More Than a Meal and serve their community through donations. Kappa Sigma and Alpha Omicron Pi have donated, their gifts highlighting the campus’s generosity. It is another example of what students at Ole Miss can do for their community, as most of More Than A Meal’s funds come from private donations and fundraisers.
Similarly, the Pantry receives most of its support through monetary donations. They also take edibles.
“We don’t turn down any food,” said Carol Wedge, the Pantry’s food manager for the month of November.
Located on Molly Barr Road, the goal of the Pantry is to provide food to those who need it. They provide food for shut-ins and people over 65 years old on Thursdays, while on Wednesdays they serve families younger than 65. According to Wedge, this past Wednesday saw 78 families receive a warm meal and this past Thursday helped 58 families.
The Pantry is supported with more examples of generosity from local churches. Oxford-University United Methodist Church makes its contribution through a project called Empty Bowls, and Oxford Church of Christ is also a big supporter of the Pantry.
Opportunities for volunteers are on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:45-11:30 a.m., when the food is served.
Both More Than A Meal and the Pantry rely on the support of the city of Oxford. Their missions are to feed as many families as they can. Therefore, they create wonderful opportunities for the students and faculty of The University of Mississippi to get involved in their community. For those students who are also looking for service hours, this is a phenomenal way to give back. Go and experience it for yourself.
-Audrey Hall
alhall3@go.olemiss.edu
