NATCHEZ — How many people does it take to feed every hungry person in the City of Natchez? For the Natchez Stewpot, it only takes two employees, countless volunteers and the continuous generosity of churches, businesses and individuals who give to the cause, Stewpot Director Amanda Jeansonne said.

The Natchez Stewpot serves one meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday — including holidays to whoever needs it, Jeansonne said.

A group of approximately 50 regular volunteers also hand-deliver two meals to 100 people who are elderly or shut-in and don’t have the means to get food for themselves, Jeansonne said.

“There are a lot of people in the community who don’t have the wherewithal to provide meals for themselves — whether they don’t have the money, the transportation or are not physically able to cook for themselves,” she said. “We are providing a great service to the area each and every day.”

With the community’s support, the Stewpot has served up to 10,000 meals each month, she said.

“The Natchez community has always been generous to us,” Jeansonne said. “The donations we receive in November and December really carry us through the rest of the year, and we are very grateful for that.”

A list of needed supplies — including food items and cleaning materials — is updated regularly at natchezstewpot.com.

Currently, the Stewpot needs donations of large cans of vegetables. No. 10 cans are recommended though any size cans are accepted, Jeansonne said. Other food items needed include large containers of Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder and raw spaghetti or macaroni noodles.

For their Christmas meal, Jeansonne said the Stewpot is accepting donations of dinner rolls and deserts.

Donations of cleaning supplies, such as Dawn dishwashing soap, Chlorox and Pine-Sol are always needed as well, she said.

Jeansonne said anyone may also volunteer at the Stewpot to serve meals.

“We have groups who come in almost every single day,” she said. “… Our delivery routes have 20 Slots and 50 people who are committed to doing it once a week. Anyone can volunteer at any time.”

Monetary donations are accepted at P.O. Box 298, Natchez, MS, 39120.

Food and supplies can be dropped off at the Stewpot between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday.