First Methodist Church in Tallulah hosted a community Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday as part of an effort church leaders said was meant to support residents during a period of uncertainty over federal assistance programs.
Rev. Henry Stone, who serves First Methodist Church in Tallulah and First Methodist Church in Lake Providence, said he and his wife, Clelie Stone, organized the event after hearing concerns about possible interruptions to SNAP benefits. Stone said the church wanted to provide a free meal for anyone who attended.
“We thought we needed to do something to help folks,” Stone said. “Whoever comes is going to get a free meal. Turkey, greens, gravy, spaghetti, bread, dessert. We just want to take care of people.”
Stone said he has served in Tallulah for nine years and in Lake Providence for eight. He said the idea for the meal came from discussions about how the churches could respond to community needs.
Clelie Stone coordinated the preparation. She operates Stonehouse Aids, a catering business, and a related nonprofit. Stone said the nonprofit works to teach people skills related to the hospitality industry, including serving and managing events.
Stone said he and his wife wanted the event to bring people together.
“We believe that getting to the table and being able to eat together can make a difference for folks,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where they come from or who they are.”
The meal was scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and was open to anyone. Stone said this was the first time the churches held the event and that they plan to evaluate the response.
“We just thought, let’s do something different and see what happens,” Stone said. “Anybody who wants to walk through can get a plate of food and a drink.”
