St. Joseph Food Pantry (SJFP)

The St. Joseph Food Pantry began in late 2006 providing food for needy families in Oktibbeha County. Qualifying families can obtain bags of nonperishable goods once a month. Typically, we serve over 180 families (patrons) per month. Counting the people in these families, we help feed over 4,000 people in 2018. Some patrons are homebound and our volunteers spend their own time and money delivering food to approximately 40 families each month. In addition to food, patrons and their children have access during our food distribution to new and used books and magazines provided by donors.

We are able to help feed the needy of Oktibbeha County through partnerships and local volunteers. About half of our food comes from our partnership with the Mississippi Food Network in Jackson, MS. They distribute USDA surplus foods and donated foods from private companies throughout the state. These foods are provided at little or no to us. Our parish congregation, Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary, Annunciation Catholic School, along with several local businesses, civic, youth and university organizations, as well as United Way of North MS sponsor food drives and other activities that help us fill and distribute food bags.