Mid South Housing Foundation Donates Ten Thousand Dollars to Oxford Pantry

Mid South Housing Foundation delivered a $10,000 contribution to The Pantry of Oxford as local food assistance needs rose heading into the holidays. The gift was presented on Nov. 12 to Brad McPeak, Acquisition and Disbursement Director of The Pantry of Oxford, by John Chapman and Ray Chapman. The contribution supplements the Foundation s ongoing support that began in 2023.

From January through November 2025 The Pantry reported providing a cart full of groceries each month to more than 625 families, serving an average of 1,379 individuals. Those figures illustrate sustained usage of the Pantry s services across the year, with heightened demand typically concentrated in the final months of the year when household budgets stretch to cover seasonal expenses. For Lafayette County residents who rely on emergency food assistance, the donation translates into additional purchasing power for staple items and a more reliable supply through the holiday period.

The timing and size of the gift have practical implications for local distribution planning. A $10,000 unrestricted donation allows the Pantry to prioritize perishable items and fill gaps created by increased client visits without delaying procurement cycles. It also reduces the need to redirect restricted funds that might otherwise be earmarked for specific programs. Since the Foundation began contributing in 2023, its recurring support has helped stabilize monthly operations and inventory management for the Pantry.

Beyond immediate relief, the contribution highlights broader community and policy issues. The steady volume of households served through November suggests that food insecurity remains a persistent feature of the local economy rather than a short term shock. For county officials and service providers, that points to the value of coordinated planning between nonprofit partners, municipal services, and state assistance programs to address root causes such as income volatility and rising living costs.

For residents and local leaders, the donation is both a short term boost and a reminder that sustained community giving and policy attention are needed to ensure Lafayette County households do not go hungry.