Putting Food On The Table

A Gulf Coast soup kitchen that has been putting food on the table for 25 years could soon be forced to shut its doors.

Rita Baldwin, director of Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen, says she needs $90,000 to make it through December. In the past, she's relied heavily on Katrina-related grants, but this year the grants aren't there.

"We're looking for a miracle in the mail," says Baldwin, who admits the cost of keeping the kitchen open is steep. She says the organization spends an average of $2.11 per meal and serves 5,000 plates per month. Baldwin says they also help people find housing, jobs and transportation.

"I'm thankful for it," says Paul Tucker, who ate lunch at the kitchen Wednesday.

Loaves and Fishes is located at 260 Main Street in Biloxi.

Donations can be mailed to:
Loaves and Fishes
P.O. Box 233
Biloxi, MS 39533