VIDEO: Hunger Continues To Be A Growing Problem For One North MS City

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)-The continuous need to feed the homeless community is still a big and growing concern in Tupelo.

On Wednesday, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary held its 19th annual Empty Bowl Luncheon to help raise money and awareness about this problem.

During the luncheon, dozens of people piled into the Tupelo Furniture Market with empty stomach’s and an appetite for some soup.

However, while these people where enjoying their tasty meals, poverty continues to be an issue in the community.

“It’s a significant concern because a lot of people don’t see it, because the population is dispersed somewhat, but there’s a big homeless community in the Tupelo area and the salvation army is the only homeless shelter in the Northeast Mississippi area,”
said Major Jeff Daniel, with the Salvation Army in Tupelo.

 
“Even children and families here in Tupelo need groceries and need food to get them by for the end of the month,” said Katrina Patty, president of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

Patty believes the city’s growing population is a reason behind this growing problem.

“As cities grow needs arise, and it’s just like any big city,” she explained.  “We’re not a little small town and Tupelo is growing so it is a growing problem that we’re trying to tackle.”

Members with the  salvation army kicked off its and Empty Bowls Luncheon to shed light on the issue.

Unfortunately, decreasing the poverty rate is something that won’t happen overnight, but Patty said one way to help end this cycle is for people to.

“Help,” she expressed.  “That’s it, just volunteering and helping us, getting involved.  If there’s clubs and organizations you don’t know a whole lot about, contact them and just ask them what can i do to help.”

“One of the ways to help is to find out what the needs of the people are, what’s the situation that they’re in, and address those needs to help reverse and end their situations,” said Major Daniel.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the Food Program.  Organizers tell WCBI they’re hoping to raise $60,000 for this year’s fundraiser.

 
Once the luncheon was over, attendees were given an empty bowl to help remind them of all the empty bowls their helping fill by their support and donations.

If anyone is interested in making any donations to help with this cause, visit http://salvationarmyalm.org/tupelo/donate/ for more information.