BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) – The Hancock County Food Pantry is a source that many people in the area rely on during hard times. Now that summer has begun, it’s seeing more people than usual.
“I think it has something to do with the job market,” claims pantry treasurer Jan Vest. “The economy is sputtering, and that means more people are facing food insecurity.”
Vest explains the pantry sees around 1,300-1,400 clients a month, with over 350 of them being children. The pantry recently took a hit, losing $8,000 of federal money after being a part of DOGE budget cuts a few months ago.
“We usually get a payment for the first part of the year, and we have to apply for that payment,” Vest said. “In my regular routine of looking for that funding we get, I went on that website and found out those federal funds have been frozen and we will not be receiving those funds this year.”
While the pantry remains fully stocked, donations can be slow at times.
“The donations have declined for the opposite reasons — because the stock market took a deep dip. When funds start drying up, people will begin to start looking at how they can afford things. Our donations are down this year.”
For those reasons, events such as galas or community support from places such as Hollywood Casino, Coastal Electric and ordinary citizens are some things that help them stay afloat during times when people rely on them most.
“Thank goodness we have a community that steps up, and we’ll be able to have volunteers working hard to make sure everyone is happy in the population here.”
The pantry will hold a gala on Thursday, June 26, at the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, running from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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