Special to the Chickasaw Journal

HOUSTON - The Mississippi Food Network presented a gift to 32 of their member agencies who operate food pantries across the state to help increase the variety of foods they are able to distribute to their clients. New commercial coolers were provided to 32 member agencies to help increase their distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables and other refrigerated products to the clients they serve.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to help enhance the services of our member agencies and to distribute more food to needy Mississippians," said Walker Satterwhite, Executive Director of Mississippi Food Network.

"Statistics show that low-income families often do not have access to fresh produce or cannot afford to purchase it. These coolers will help us provide healthy alternatives to more people through an increase in the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. "

The member agencies selected to receive coolers are from different part of the state and operate food pantries. The agencies are 61 South Church of Christ, Adams; Helping Hands Ministries, Attala; The Potter's House Family Service Center, Chickasaw; Living Manna Food Pantry, Clay; SOS Crystal Springs Food Pantry, Copiah; Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Forrest; Berean SDA Church, Hinds; College Hill Pantry, Hinds; First Church of Deliverance, Hinds; Gateway Rescue Mission, Hinds; Jackson Revival Center, Hinds; New Dimensions Development Foundation, Hinds; Parkview Church of Christ, Hinds; Wings of Faith Ministries, Hinds; Jasper County Baptist Association, Jasper, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Jefferson; Kemper Spring Community Center, Kemper; Stephen Chapel MB Church, Lowndes; Marion City Food Pantry; Marion; Cornerstone Full Gospel Faith Fellowship, Montgomery; Peter's Rock Temple COGIC; Oktibbeha; Sand Creek Chapel MB Church, Oktibbeha; Mt. Elam MB Church; Rankin; South Rankin Food Resource Center, Inc., Rankin; Scott County Baptist Association Crisis Center, Scott; We Care Mission, Scott; Anguilla United Methodist Church, Sharkey; Smith County Baptist Association, Smith; We Care Community Services, Warren; South Delta Charities, Washington; St. Vincent de Paul Society, Washington; and Southside Pantry, Yazoo.

To find out more about Mississippi Food Network visit our website at www.msfoodnet.org.