Vicksburg volunteers prepare and distribute 1,000 meals to the needy

A small group of volunteers came together to feed about 1,000 of Vicksburg’s elderly residents on Wednesday.

All Mississippi casinos were closed on March 17 by order of the Mississippi Gaming Commission due to state and federal recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. With no customers Waterview, Ameristar and Lady Luck casinos in Vicksburg decided to donate their food instead of throwing it away.

Meals ready to be picked up. (Photo by Chris Tankesly)

With the coordination of Julie Ford of Caffe Paradiso, chefs Perry Boyd of the Gumbo Pot and Kevin Roberts of Fit Chef Catering made enough food for about 1,000 meals starting on Tuesday. The business owners donated their own time and that of their employees to the effort.

Then they set up tents in the parking lot on Halls Ferry Road and South Frontage Road to offer folks drive-thru convenience. Distribution began about 4 p.m. Wednesday and will continue until the food is gone.

With additional donations from Uber drivers, they were also able to deliver meals to those who couldn’t drive to pick it up.