Feed the Needy program taking place with safety measures in place

For 31 years, law enforcement across Harrison County have been giving thanks in the form of food with the ‘Feed the Needy’ program.

This year, the program is on a much smaller scale because of the pandemic. They normally dish out almost 4,500 meals for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year they will only be able to serve 2,000 split between the two holidays.

Normally this event attracts a large amount of volunteers assisting in the packaging and delivery, but to reduce the spread, the meals are being packaged at the Harrison County Work Center.

From there, they’ll be delivered to each agency and they’ll come pick up the meals and deliver them to those in need. Biloxi Police Sgt. Joey Payne said, “Like I said this is our 31st year. We like giving back to our community and as much as we can we try to give back. And we never have a problem getting law enforcement or first responders to help us.”

Biloxi Police Department shares with News 25 that their phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to volunteer but because of COVID they’ll have to volunteer with an agency closest to them or one they’re already familiar with.