The Pantry Serves 485 Families in September

The Pantry—located at 713 Molly Barr next to the Oxford Police Station—accepts donations all year long. Photo by Anna Grace Usery.

By Alyssa Schnugg
News editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

The Pantry served more than 485 families during September with the help of volunteers from Christ Presbyterian Church.

About 1,145 people received food from Oxford’s main food bank.

Other volunteers in September helping Christ Presbyterian were from the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program and missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“We especially thank Kindred Hospice for their very generous food and cash donation after the Labor Day weekend,” said John Kokne, head of food distribution at The Pantry. “Also we wish to acknowledge and thank both the UM Pharmacy School and the Parker Hanifin Company for their sizable food donations. As always thanks to Walmart, Kroger, and Panera Bread for the weekly donations.”

The Oxford Pantry is open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. People under 65 can utilize The Pantry on Wednesdays while Thursdays are for clients 65 and older.

Now that the University of Mississippi back in full swing for the fall semester, volunteers are welcome.

“The Pantry welcomes our UM students performing community service,” Kokne said.

With the holidays just around the corner, this is the busiest time for The Pantry. Donations of food and money are appreciated, according to Barbara Smith with The Pantry.

“Our greatest need during the holiday season are canned foods – vegetables, fruit and canned meat,” Smith said.

Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 588 Oxford MS 38655. Donation receipts will be acknowledged mailed to donors.

Food donations are dropped off at the pantry during operation hours.

“For other arrangements please contact the Pantry manager of the month at 662-832-8001,” Smith said.

The Pantry is located at 713 Molly Barr Road next to the Oxford Police Department.