Southland Casino Racing hosts food distribution
$ 161,000 in funding distributed to the Mid- South Food Bank allows for first of many mobile food pantry events in Crittenden County
Southland Casino Racing Last week, Southland Casino Racing hosted a mobile food pantry distribution for Crittenden County residents. Each family received 40 pounds or more of food during the distribution from 10 a.m. to noon at the casino’s south parking lot.
A Mobile Pantry Distribution is a method of direct client distribution in partnership with an organization (Southland Casino) that acts as a host site. The Mobile Pantry utilizes refrigerated vehicles to provide nutritious food in a drive-through setup. The distribution is open to those who can show an ID or other proof of residency in the county designated for distribution.
On “Giving Tuesday” in November, Southland Casino Racing, in collaboration with its parent company, Delaware North, announced continuing investments in the community with donations totaling $600,000 to two Mid-South organizations that serve the Crittenden County commu-
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Photos courtesy of Southland Casino Racing SOUTHLAND (cont.)
nity: the Mid-South Food Bank and the East Arkansas Family Health Center. The Mid-South Food Bank is receiving a total of $325,000 toward its mobile food pantry, and the East Arkansas Family Health Center is receiving $275,000 to fund the development of an OB-GYN program.
“We’re very proud that Southland’s first distribution of $161,000 in funding to the Mid-South Food Bank has allowed the organization to add to its mobile pantry operations to improve the efficiency of food distribution in Crittenden County and reach food desert areas,” said David Wolf, Southland president and general manager, “it’s great to host the mobile pantry right here at Southland and address the critical needs of this community.”
In addition, the funds will establish and provide food for two Healthy School Pantries that play a crucial role in providing children and their families with access to food for preparation at home when other resources such as school meals are not available.
“The Mid-South Food Bank is thankful for this partnership with Southland Casino Racing,” said Cathy Pope, Mid- South Food Bank president & CEO.
“This collaboration will help us increase food distribution for rural areas in Crittenden County and help establish more partner agencies in the area. Additionally, this opportunity will help educate and connect families to other vital programs that support food and economic security.”
According to our research from Feeding America, the 2021 Projected Overall Food Insecurity Rate for Crittenden County is 18.8%, and the 2021 Projected Child Food Insecurity Rate for Crittenden County is 31%.
About Mid-South Food Bank
The Mid-South Food Bank serves west Tennessee, north Mississippi and Crittenden County in east Arkansas and is the leading distributor in the region.
Food insecure individuals, hungry children, families, and seniors across the Mid-South depend on the Mid-South Food Bank’s help daily. the Mid-South Food Bank currently distributes an average of 4 million meals a month through a network of 300 partner agencies including food distribution sites in 12 counties in West Tennessee, 18 counties in north Mississippi, and one county in Arkansas. The need is even greater after the longlasting effects of COVID19.
About Southland’s Community Commitment
As one of the largest employers in West Memphis, Southland Casino Racing is committed to further supporting the tristate area through volunteer efforts, donations, and continued investments. Southland Casino
Racing’s Community
Engagement Office is designed to identify and invest in areas within Eastern Arkansas, Memphis and the Mid-South. Our goal is to empower our neighbors to care for their health, futures, and connect with each other, through Southland's philanthropic channels. Organizations interested in requesting a charitable contribution from Southland may apply at www.southlandcommunityengagement. com
Southland Casino Racing has been a major racing venue for more than 60 years and the casino offers slot machines plus live table games, as well as sports betting. Restaurants at Southland include the Sports Bar & Grill, Bourbon Street Steakhouse & Grill and The Buffet.
Southland has long been a pivotal fixture of the West Memphis community, strongly supporting the community with jobs, business stability, and economic contributions. It has consistently won awards for its outstanding community service, including millions of dollars donated to neighborhood charities and educational institutions.
Southland is owned and operated by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality. More information is available at www.southlandcasino.com.
Southland operates under Delaware North’s Play It Safe program.
