Mississippi News

Mobile food pantry in Holmes County

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2022

Mobile food pantry held in Holmes County, one of the most food insecure places in the U.S.

by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today
June 27, 2022

Molina Healthcare of Mississippi partnered with the Mississippi Food Network on Thursday to host a mobile food pantry drive-thru event in Pickens.

Hundreds of cars stretched down North 2nd Street next to the town’s municipal building as they waited for their first-come, first-serve boxes of food that included fresh produce, fruit and protein. The Mississippi Food Network prepared the boxes for nearly 250 households. The organization helps with about three mobile pantries a month in the state’s most food-insecure areas.

Pickens, located in Holmes County, is considered a food desert with the nearest grocery store located almost 20 miles away in Canton.

The county had one of the highest projected rates of food insecurity in the state following Jefferson County due to the impact of COVID-19, according to a study by Feeding America in 2020. Holmes County ranked third nationally in projections of the highest overall food insecurity rates at 34.5%, the study found.

“Hopefully, it will help them get to the end of the month,” said Cassandra Mobley, Mississippi Food Network director of agency relationships and programs. “We have food pantries and senior programs that distribute food on a regular basis here in Holmes County. This just an extra effort.”

The food network’s partner in this mobile pantry was Molina Healthcare, which contracts with Mississippi to offer a Medicaid-sponsored health insurance program for low-income children and adults.

“Food is our biggest disparity, especially with rising prices of everything. That’s why we chose to come to Pickens,” said Marques Slaughter, Molina Healthcare member engagement and growth specialist. “We like to get out into the community to bring awareness to health, help bring healthy options to the area and identify community resources and disparities.”

The Mississippi Food Network will have its next food pantry drive-thru event on July 21 at Mississippi Valley State in Leflore County.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing is charged with murder as prosecutor says DNA found on rifle trigger

Published

15 hours ago

September 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Jesse Bedayn – 2025-09-16 12:45:00

SUMMARY: Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with the murder of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, shot Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Robinson confessed via text to his partner and left a note expressing intent to kill Kirk, citing hatred. DNA linked Robinson to the rifle used. Prosecutors revealed Robinson planned the attack for over a week and targeted Kirk, a key conservative youth leader. Robinson’s political views shifted after dating a transgender man, causing family tensions. After the shooting, Robinson discarded evidence and urged his partner to delete texts. FBI investigates possible wider connections. Charges include murder with potential death penalty enhancements.

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Mississippi News

Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination believed to have acted alone, says Utah governor

Published

5 days ago

September 12, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-09-12 05:10:00

SUMMARY: Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for the targeted assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah. Authorities said Robinson had expressed opposition to Kirk’s views and indicated responsibility after the shooting. The attack occurred during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot once from a rooftop and later died in hospital. Engravings on bullets and chat messages helped link Robinson to the crime, which was captured on grim video. The killing sparked bipartisan condemnation amid rising political violence. President Trump announced Robinson’s arrest and plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Mississippi News

Americans mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with emotional ceremonies

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wcbi.com – Associated Press – 2025-09-11 14:00:00

SUMMARY: On the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, solemn ceremonies were held in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville to honor nearly 3,000 victims. Families shared personal remembrances, emphasizing ongoing grief and the importance of remembrance. Vice President JD Vance postponed his attendance to visit a recently assassinated activist’s family, adding tension to the day. President Trump spoke at the Pentagon, pledging never to forget and awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. The attacks’ global impact reshaped U.S. policy, leading to wars and extensive health care costs for victims. Efforts continue to finalize legal proceedings against the alleged plot mastermind.

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