NATCHEZ — Feeding the hungry mouths at home can get expensive, but feeding the hungry mouths staying at the Adams County Jail isn’t costing nearly as much these days.

Food service for inmates at the Adams County Jail was previously contracted through ADL Foods, a contract that was dropped earlier this year.

Adams County Purchasing Clerk Frances Bell said the county is in the process of finalizing new contracts with all local vendors, “and you would not believe how much money they are saving by doing that.”

“By using local vendors, we are able to have set prices,” Bell said. “Plus, it helps local businesses that are right here in Adams County, paying taxes. It is a win-win situation.”

Sheriff Travis Patten said the switch to all-local vendors is saving the jail approximately $30,000.

“We’ve gotten a whole lot better deal and a better product, and if you can do business with our local town, that’s what you want to do,” he said.