Nonprofit using Riley Foundation grant for crisis center

The Riley Foundation recently supplied grants to several nonprofit organizations including the Lauderdale County Baptist Association. Many food bags are lined up to be distributed to low income families at the Lauderdale County Baptist Association. $5,000 was awarded to the organization in response to COVID-19 and it is going toward the crisis center. Maxey says bags are packed in an effort to stretch for 2 to 3 days.

“It’s mostly canned goods. We have secured walk-in coolers. So we’re trying to expand our eggs and milk,” said Director of Missions John Maxey. “We have frozen meats that we also try to provide, noodles and pasta.”

Most food that comes from the Baptist Association is purchased from the USDA and Mississippi Food Network. In order for one to receive a bag, a form must be filled out for eligibility.

“That form is given to us through Mississippi Food Network based upon their income and based upon the number that is in that household. That kind of gives us a gage as far as their qualifications. Any qualifications we are given, we just give that to our clients.”

Food bags are only given out to clients one time every three months. Maxey says they have many clients and want to make sure everyone is served.

“Our bags are a hope to provide as much, but it’s an understanding to be a supplement to what you already have,” said Maxey.

Anyone in the low income category can come to the baptist association and filled out applications Monday through Thursday to be eligible for a bag of food.