Non-profit organizations teamed up to provide food for those in need in Jonestown every Monday throughout the month of August.
Men With A Vision organized the effort in collaboration with the Mid-South Food Bank from Memphis and the WIC nutritional program. Milk, laundry detergent, chicken, steak, canned goods, cereal, juices, rice and baby milk are all provided for approximately 500 individuals.
Cars line up at the Timothy Burrel Multipurpose Building on Second Street in Jonestown to receive a box of items. Close to 100 cars lined up when the giveaway started at 10 a.m. Monday.
“We take a number from the application they fill out,” said Men With A Vision president Kenny Lester. “Each person gets one box of the stuff.”
The need and size of family determine how many boxes of items a household is given.
Military volunteers also volunteered their time to help give the items away Monday.
Lalita Owten is in the Army reserves and comes from Marks, which is just outside of Jonestown.
“We’re just helping out, volunteering and giving back to the community and we’re just happy to be a part of this,” Owten said.
Relecia Johnson from Jonestown was another military volunteer.
“I think this is a really good thing, especially doing something for the babies,” Johnson said. “Milk is high. It’s too high. Anytime you can get a chance to do something good, it’s a great thing.”
