WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Coronavirus Pandemic has caused a food shortage for many people in the state, however, one local food pantry here in west point is finding new ways to serve those in need while also keep clients and themselves safe.

“We’re just doing everything we can to keep everybody as safe as possible,” said Jane Scott.
President of the Project Homestead Food Pantry in West Point, Jane Scott, and her staff serve food to those in need every week.

Now the staff follows new rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Well obviously masks and socially distancing we’re doing things like that,” said pantry volunteer Bob Seitz.

They also only allow two clients at a time.

Volunteer Bob Seitz said since the start of the pandemic the need has grown.

“We’re up 40 to 50 percent,” said Seitz.

In addition to the high demand, some volunteers are not able to work because of health concerns.

“We had volunteered a lot that had their health issues and if they were healthy a lot of them had spouses or children with health issues at home,” said Scott.

Although some volunteers are stepping up to fill the gaps, they could use more help.

The president here of the Project Homestead Food Pantry said that distribution is every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 am to 11 am.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Project Homestead Food Bank you are asked to call 662-418-1020.the Project Homestead Food Bank you are asked to call 662-418-1020.