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The Selma COA Food Pantry embarks on its 10th anniversary, giving back to the community by serving non-perishable food items.

This year, at the food pantry, located at 700 J.L. Chestnut Blvd., received food items such as salmon, chicken, cheese and a variety of vegetables during their annual food drive Friday. The items collected are given out to each qualifying member of the community to help during their time of need. 

Stand-in president William Toippe said the purpose behind the drive is to raise money to continue their efforts to feed the community members and replenish the goods purchased from the food bank located in Craigfield.

“Groceries are so high,” said Jewell Williamson, owner and broker of Cornerstone Realty. “A lot of people we serve don’t even have assistance and if they do, sometimes the assistance don’t even cover all of their food regardless of the brand you buy.”

Williamson said even if they can’t do what they really need for the community members, they can make sure they have a couple meals to get by. 

Currently, the food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon and serves community members on Thursdays twice a month. 

“The thing we try to do is meat or meat substitutes, canned veggies leaving out the junk food,” Williamson said. “Unfortunately, when you are in the grocery store, people talk about using food assistance for the junk food, but that’s what’s actually cheapest.”

Regions Bank branch manager Melvin Cooley said hopefully things can change soon and the prices will go down to where needy community members can afford groceries.

“I’ve personally assisted in one of the shelters here and helped prepare some of the meals, and I think this drive will go a long way,” Cooley said. “So, I really appreciate the community for creating this so that we can all come together and be able to provide for our community.”

Some of the items Cooley donated were sweet peas, pinto beans, Chef Boyardee Ravioli and Bush’s Best Kidney beans to the drive to show the bank’s appreciation locally.

Toippe said the message he wants community members to understand about the food drive is that it’s a good way to help people in need and any help from the community the drive can get is appreciated.

To contribute to the Selma COA food pantry efforts, call 334-872-6904, or stop by the pantry in person.