United Way of the Capital Area creating fund to assist families needing food and resources
October 30, 2025
United Way of the Capital Area creating fund to assist families needing food and resources
Roslyn Anderson, WLBTY Channel 3 News
October 30, 2025
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - As hundreds of thousands face food uncertainty during the SNAP benefits temporary halt, one local nonprofit is working to help bridge the gap.
The United Way of the Capital Area is creating a funding source for families in need.
“They were telling us that we are seeing a lack in our food pantry,” said Mea Ashley, Corporate Relations Director with the United Way of the Capital Area.
A recent visit by the staff to Stewpot Community Services launched an effort to help people facing a SNAP benefits pause as well as those who have been furloughed or laid off from their jobs.
The organization is establishing the United Community Response Fund in an effort to help local families with food, utilities, bills, and medication payments.
The funds raised will go toward nonprofits such as Stewpot Community Services, the Mississippi Food Network, churches, and other assistance agencies.
“We are going to disperse those to organizations that are doing the work and then finally the individuals who need that help can call 2-1-1 to get referred to those resources and those organizations that are out in the community providing direct services,” Ashley explained.
According to the United Way of the Capital Area, 49% of Mississippi households are either below the federal poverty level or are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - meaning they are living paycheck to paycheck.
The nonprofit has already received a $50,000 commitment from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund.
“You can kind of think of United Way as a bridge or a connector,” added Ashley. “So, we have resources here. We have connections with large corporations as well as the local community.”
As the United Community Resource Fund grows, they will post on their website where resources are available and ways to find assistance.
