NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.- One out of five Mississippians lives in a household that can’t always afford enough food. That’s the second highest rate in the United States of America. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now funding a toll-free hotline that gives people the opportunity to access food from resources, both private and governmental.
Joel Berg is the executive director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, and he says anyone, anywhere in the state can call.
“People can call this hotline from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. and get help,” Berg said. “The hotline will tell you where you can get food, where you can go to a private soup kitchen, or a food pantry to get help.”
The hotline will also let you know how you can get involved with the SNAP program, which is the new food stamp program, if you’re eligible. Also, if you’re pregnant or have children, under five, you also qualify for a specific program.
The hotline can be reached at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (for Spanish) from Monday through Friday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
