At the Stewpot, we are thankful for all who contribute in any way so that we can carry out our mission: to feed the hungry and provide interfaith volunteer opportunities.

Would you like to get involved? There are three ways to help:

Donations of food and supplies

Most of the food that is served at the Stewpot is donated.

Our community is very generous. We are thankful for holiday food drives, deer meat donated by hunters, and food that is left over from parties and catered events.

Everything that is donated is used with almost no waste. In the past, the Adams County Board of Supervisors and the Natchez Aldermen have sponsored a “Pack the Pickup” during the Christmas holidays.

Because the pantry was full this year at Christmas, the event has been moved to Easter week. On Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., supervisors and aldermen will be parked at all the local grocery stores collecting donations of large canned vegetables, cookies, bleach, Dawn dishwashing liquid, pine cleaner and paper towels.

Please add one of these items to your Easter dinner shopping list and help Pack the Pickup.

Cash donations also will be accepted. A big thank you to our elected officials and to our local grocers for their support.

Volunteering

In addition to our two employees, it takes an army of volunteers to serve more than 100,000 meals each year. We are blessed with many groups and individuals who come to the Stewpot to cook, clean, deliver, sort food, pick up trash and do anything else that is needed.

No special arrangements are necessary — volunteers are welcome any time the Stewpot is open.

The current Stewpot delivery consists of three routes, serving 165 meals to 85 shut-ins.

Most of those people get two meals, one for lunch and one for dinner. The routes for the most part are within the city limits. Sometimes we have calls for delivery that we are not able to cover because of the distance and time it would add to the route.

For those who live outside the city limits, look around your neighborhood to see if there is someone who would benefit from two hot meals a day. Any of you can pick up meals at the Stewpot and deliver them to your neighbors. That is a very rewarding service.
Donations of money
Even though most of the food is donated, we still purchase supplies such as paper products, cleaning supplies, seasoning and meat when the supply is low.
We also have utility bills, building maintenance, insurance and employee salaries. Monetary donations are always welcome. Contributions from churches, civic groups and individuals have kept the Stewpot open for more than 30 years. Another way to help keep the legacy alive is to remember the Stewpot in your will.

I was asked recently, “Why should I give to the Stewpot?” From a Biblical perspective, we are told to feed the hungry and to help those in need.
Those in need can be people with financial need, the handicapped, and the elderly who cannot get to the grocery store or are not able to cook due to safety concerns.
Being able to share time and resources with others is a gift. In the words of our former Stewpot director, Louis Gunning, “The Stewpot consists of those who give and those who receive. God is blessing both.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 298, Natchez, MS 39121.
Please visit our website, natchezstewpot.com, for more information.

Wishing you a happy and joyful Easter season.

Amanda Jeansonne is director of the Natchez Stewpot.