Food giveaway line stretches a mile as SNAP benefits paused, shutdown continues
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Community center distributed 50,000 pounds of food to roughly 400 families.
- SNAP recipients missed November benefits; about 385,000 residents rely on SNAP.
- A nonprofit, local politicians and Keesler Credit Union mobilized to fill emergency gaps.
Amid the government shutdown, hundreds of residents lined up Friday morning for a food giveaway at the Good Deeds Community Center in Gulfport.
SNAP beneficiaries received their last food supplement benefits in October. Because of the shutdown, they won’t get assistance for November. About 385,000 Mississippi residents, or 13% of the population, receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, according to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Regional food banks and pantries are scrambling to meet the need, as members of the military and civilian employees on South Mississippi military bases face going without pay.
State Rep. Jeffrey Hulum III, whose nonprofit Extend a Hand, Help a Friend, helped sponsor Friday’s food giveaway, said people who normally help others have had to swallow their pride and get in line for assistance. Other sponsors were Keesler Federal Credit Union, Gulfport Council members Kendal Buckner and Carrissa Corbett, and Harrison County Supervisor Kent Jones.
The line Friday outside Good Deeds was hundreds of vehicles and about one mile long. People said they started showing up before the sun rose to get in line.
“A lot of people are really frustrated,” Hulum said as he worked with volunteers to get ready for the giveaway. “They’re frustrated with the government. Their mood is somber. No one at a certain age wants to be in need.”
He added, “The need is great. It’s time out for finger-pointing and time to get to helping. We are a charitable state.”
SNAP accounts drained, empty
Jewel Rothery, a 75-year-old, said she has been struggling for a long time. She is a cancer survivor who has had two hip replacements but is nonetheless trying to find a job. The former nurse and sheriff’s deputy said health insurance costs eat into her retirement and disability pay.
“I’ve been struggling,” she said. “I’ve been living off credit cards trying to make ends meet.”
Nearby, Joyce Bailey waited in a car with a friend. Both the women have two children each. Bailey is raising her niece and nephew. She said she’s got only about $2 left on her EBT card, where SNAP benefits are loaded. She normally receives $237 a month for food.
“It’s scary,” Bailey said. “We wonder how we are going to feed our kids.”
Volunteers are trying to fill the breach. Keesler has stepped up its donations to food banks, CEO Andy Swoger said, donating $100,000 so far this year.
Friday’s event saw 50,000 pounds of food trucked in from regional food bank Feeding the Gulf Coast. The vegetables, snacks, fruit and meat were meant to feed about 400 families.
But 480 or more vehicles were in line, those signing up recipients reported. The line stretched for blocks around the community center.
“Nobody should go without because of the government shutdown,” Councilman Buckner said, looking around him at the dozens of volunteers who were sorting food.
“Look at all this love out here. It makes you want to tear up.”
This story was originally published October 31, 2025 at 2:22 PM.
