With one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation, Mississippi has over 450,000 households without daily reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. The onset of COVID-19 caused this need to intensify, leaving many wondering how they might feed themselves and their families during the pandemic.
CFM’s deep connections with the communities we serve allowed us to respond quickly and to work in tandem with community foundations across the state and the Mississippi State Legislature to serve nonprofits and food pantries across the state. CFM was able to administer more than $2.4 million in CARES Act funds to provide access to food and capacity to nonprofits providing services across central and southwest Mississippi. These reimbursement grants helped nonprofits who faced decreased revenue and vastly increased demand during the pandemic.
Mississippi has a history of coming together during disasters to help one another and COVID-19 was no exception. See how the community came together with CFM to find new ways to bring food to those most in need.
We Care Mission
Scott County
When We Care Mission’s thrift store closed for four months at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit’s income immediately dried up for its much-needed food pantry in Morton. We Care Mission was able to think creatively to re-open partially outside, but times were still tight. Connecting with CFM and CARES Act funding, We Care Mission was able to continue operations and supplement their food assistance to help many fellow community members also impacted by COVID-19.
Mississippi Center for Police and Sherriffs
Hinds County
Sheltering in place took on new meaning at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for shelters around the country, including Joyce’s Hope Home, operated by the Mississippi Center for Police and Sheriffs. Hope Home, which provides emergency shelter care for homeless women and children, suddenly was over capacity and the need for their Friday morning food distributions to families in distress was increasing. CFM was able to administer CARES Act funds that helped sustain operations and connect families in crisis to much needed resources.
Arise and Shine
Copiah County
Arise and Shine leapt to action to adapt its programming to meet the needs that arose due to COVID-19. By converting a former Fred’s Dollar Store into a learning center, food pantry and food distribution center, they were able to provide educational services and daily food distributions to children, families and the elderly in Crystal Springs and Copiah County. This adjustment meant an increase in costs due to the expansion of space, food costs, sanitation, staff support and technology needed. CARES funds distributed through CFM allowed the organization to off-set costs allowing them to better meet the needs of those they serve.
Learn more about Community Foundation for Mississippi’s impact in our 2022 Annual Report.