Feeding the Gulf Coast, state rep-organized food distribution feeds 450 families
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - In partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast, one state representative organized a food distribution on Saturday for those in need of assistance.
The project also served as a community service project for high school students from three different states.
Boxes, bags, you name it — anything that could help carry more than 30,000 lbs. of food was hauled around the Good Deeds Community Center in Gulfport to prepare for cars wrapped around the parking lot.
“Some of the associated things you see [include] meat, fresh produce, those are the things we’re giving out today,” explained Rep. Jeffrey Hulum III.
Hulum is not only the District 119 State Representative. He is also the CEO of Extend a Hand, Help a Friend. As a retired sergeant major, Hulum brings efficiency and strategy to the table.
“What you realize with Jeffrey and military members being here is, logistically, how organized it is,” said Rep. Jim Estrada. “There’s a formula they have that us civilians don’t know, but it makes for a quick, great distribution of food.”
“When we bring our expertise together and lend it to our community, it makes for not just a better community but a better quality of life for all people in the community,” added Hulum. “That’s what this is about — making sure everybody has an uplifting life.”
Nearly 40 volunteers packing the food are high school juniors and seniors. They are in town representing Pathways to Leadership, a program at The University of Mississippi’s Trent Lott Leadership Institute.
“The goal is to bring them here to give them a taste of what it looks like to lead and serve in a community and give them a robust theoretical backing for that,” stated Ethan Davis, Assistant Director of Ole Miss Center for Practical Ethics. “So, what are the theories of leadership? How does it work? What are the theories of ethics? How does that work?”
The packed boxes will feed around 450 families with up to four family members.
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