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NATCHEZ — The Natchez Stewpot is going through changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is still feeding people in Natchez.

One of the ways Natchez Stewpot is helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Natchez is by not having people eat inside the facility on E. Franklin Street.

“We have actually seen a decreased number of people coming in,” said Amanda Jeansonne, Natchez Stewpot Director. “We’re not having as many people come in due to the stay-at-home order. For our dining, we’re putting a table in the door and we’re passing the meals down to those who visit.”

Another way the Natchez Stewpot is preventing the spread of COVID-19 is by not taking any food donations during this time. Jeansonne said the food donations have been stopped due to the handling of such items that is required.

The Stewpot, however, is taking monetary donations.

Natchez Stewpot is still delivering food to people in need during the pandemic. Jeansonne said approximately 175 meals are being delivered during the week in Natchez.

The final way the Natchez Stewpot is helping to fight the spread of COVID-19 is by limiting the amount of people they have in their facility.

Elrica Coleman and her aunt, Johnnie Davis, are the only two employees working at the Natchez Stewpot.

“It’s a little scary but it’s rewarding,” Coleman said. “It’s rewarding because we’re part of helping to stop the COVID-19 virus. It makes the job a little bit easier knowing that you’re helping.”

Under normal operation, Jeansonne said Natchez Stewpot volunteers would come in and help with making the food and serving the food. But during the stay-at-home order due to COVID-19, the Natchez Stewpot had to make a change.

“We had to put an end to that because of the space. We’re trying to have as few people as possible,” Jeansonne said.

For Natchezians still needing food, Jeansonne said Natchez Stewpot is still serving food from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11-12 p.m. Sundays.

“We do have food and we don’t want anybody to go hungry in our community,” Jeansonne said.