FRAZIER: A loaf of bread could make a difference

Published 4:00 am Saturday, September 16, 2023

My favorite Broadway musical is “Les Misérables.”

The show, which is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, is musically powerful as well as having a masterful storyline. Set in France during the 1800s, the first scene of the musical depicts a prison camp, where the main character, Jean Valjean, is set to be released after serving 19 years in “slavery.”

His crime: Stealing a loaf of bread.

During this scene, Valjean explains the only reason he stole the bread was because his sister’s child was starving.

Surely, most of us would have done the same thing. I can’t imagine how someone could just sit by and watch a child, or anyone for that matter, die of starvation if they had the power to help.

This musical came to my mind this week after hearing the Storehouse Community Food Pantry needs help. It seems inflation is taking its toll on the pantry and on several levels.

With food costing more, donated funds are not going as far, inflation hindering donations and with everything costing more, more people need help.

It’s what I call an ill-fated trifecta.

Currently, clients being served by the nonprofit organization are allowed to receive food six times in a 12-month period. Of those six times, clients receive four days’ worth of food. But if funding does not increase, volunteers at the Storehouse Community Food Pantry said a cut will have to be made.

The cut would entail clients only receiving half of what they are getting now. Instead of getting assistance six times in a 12-month period, they would only receive meals three times.

Vicksburg is a giving community. I have witnessed this on many occasions, and I know that once folks hear of the Storehouse Community Food Pantry’s needs, funds will flow in.

But money is not the sole source of help. Donations of food are also welcomed and encouraged. I know there are a couple of food drives already in the works.

State Farm Insurance Agent Robyn Lea has kicked off an eight-week plan for giving where folks can drop off weekly items requested at her place of business, 2170 South Frontage Road Ste. 1. A list of accepted items can be found on her Facebook page.

Also, Crawford Street United Methodist Church is planning to hold a food drive to help with the pantry’s needs. And always, if anyone is looking to volunteer, I know your help would be appreciated.

For more information on the Storehouse Community Food Pantry, visit vicksburgfoodpantry.org.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

More by Terri Cowart