Southern Miss to host 'Sweet Potato' drop

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host a 'Sweet Potato' drop Saturday Oct 15 at the Payne Center parking lot to address local food insecurity.

USM Civic Engagement Coordinator Christopher Ferrell said Society of St. Andrew will drop off 20,000 pounds of sweet potatoes.

A truck will arrive at the USM Payne Center loaded with sweet potatoes from farmers in Vardaman, MS.

Volunteers will take the potatoes dropped from the truck to help bag sweet potatoes to be donated to Edward Street Fellowship Center, Salvation Army and Christian Services who will help give potatoes to people within the city who is in need.

"It helps students to address food insecurity, it helps the students become aware of food insecurity issues" said Ferrell.

Ferrell added, "Its an effort for students to serve the community, while staying on campus."

Ferrell said they will load them into trucks and donate them to local organizations who help feed the hungry.

The event is between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.