WEST POINT – A few weeks ago, co-owners Robert Latham and Terrance Sykes of BBQ Drippins food trailer were discussing how to support those in need in West Point after issues with the issuance of SNAP benefits continued during October.
After some discussions the two decided to organize a free community meal for those in the area this Sunday, Latham said.
“We were just wanting to help out the community,” Latham told The Dispatch. “Everybody’s been going through a lot with SNAP benefits and all. And around the holiday season, we just felt the need to give back and just try to uplift the community as best we could.”
On Sunday, starting at 11 a.m., BBQ Drippins will be offering free meals on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who show up to their trailer, which will be stationed next to the BP gas station at 25825 W Main St. in West Point.
“We’re going to feed as many as we can feed Sunday, starting at 11 a.m., and we will serve until the food is gone,” Sykes said.
The goal is to feed between 100 to 200 people, Latham said.
Following a 35 day pause in SNAP benefits during the federal government’s 43-day shutdown, the Mississippi Department of Human Services announced Nov. 13 that November SNAP benefits would be awarded in their entirety in accordance with guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, according to a press release from MDHS.
Even with benefits set to be issued, Sykes said people are still feeling the effects of going a month without their food funds.
“I know some people have (been) laid off and all that sort of thing, and then you’ve got Christmas (coming up), and it’s just tough on people,” Latham said. “So we’re just trying to lift people’s spirits as best we can.”
The trailer will be offering grilled chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, soup and a sausage and corn boil, Sykes said.
The two aren’t new to helping during tough times. The duo previously assisted in feeding about 400 people in Amory who were impacted by the EF-3 tornado in 2023, Sykes said.
“This is not our first time,” Sykes said. “We always give back to the community. So it’s (not) hard or something that we just decided to do because of the government shutdown. This is something that we do naturally.”
The goal through the event Sunday is to bring just a bit of joy and help locals who have been struggling whether through losing their job or from difficulties with not receiving October SNAP benefits, Latham said.
“We just (saw) … we needed to step in and do our part,” Sykes said. “Everybody can do a little and that little bit will add up to something big, and so we just felt like, Man, this is, this is what we’re known for. And it was just something that came (naturally).”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
