{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhillscast.shark1023.com%2Fepisodes%2Fthe-food-pantry-at-st-lukes-in-lee-county-pOAXKf2S","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"The Food Pantry at St. Luke's in Lee County","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/d5af60e8-7211-4c30-bf57-0635bc41ce63/07777c48-7843-48f5-84f6-e32fb4333d40/heardonshark-20-instagram-20post-20-square.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"In this episode, Melinda talks again with Jason Martin, Director of the Hunger Coalition based in Tupelo and Lee County. This conversation is focused on the work at St. Luke Food Pantry in Lee County. This food pantry was begun in a church closet over 27 years ago and initially helped 8 families a month. It now serves over 2400 Lee County families each month. \nVolunteers and monetary donations are vital to the work of the Food Pantry. The best way to find out more about volunteering with this great organization is to go to \"stlukefoodpantry.org\" website, click on the Volunteer tab at the bottom of the page, complete the application, and someone will contact you about the when and how of volunteering. Monetary donations are very important to the organization - even more so than canned food donations. With money, the St Luke Food Pantry can purchase items in bulk. To donate once or set it up as a regular monthly donation, go to the website and click \"Donate\". \nThe Food Pantry is located at 2653 Eason Boulevard in Tupelo and is open Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The Food Pantry is closed on the 5th Thursday of any month. If you need help and are a first-time client, bring a photo I.D., proof of residency in Lee County such as a piece of mail or utility bill, and the names and dates of birth of the persons in the household. \nIf you need help - even if you do not live in Lee County, do not wait until your family is out of food. There is a listing of Food Pantries in the counties across Northeast MS at \"hungercoalitionnems.org\".\nIf you want to help your community, look for ways to volunteer your services and be a resource for others. One place to start is to check out the \"stlukefoodpantry.org\" website. \nGet the help you need and give the help you can!"}