The Funky Flamingo, a Gulfport-based store offering produce, deli items, and more, is urgently requesting food donations to support families displaced by last year’s hurricanes. Approximately two years ago, the store’s owners established a food pantry to aid the community following the closure of several other pantries.

Recent hurricanes have shifted the pantry’s focus from serving the homeless to assisting families who have lost their homes. Business owners emphasize the need for more food to continue their mission.

Anita McLaughlin, one of the owners, mentioned that the pantry currently serves between 20 to 30 individuals and is in dire need of ready-to-eat food donations. She shared, “We’re all getting hit hard, and of course, the end of the month things get down even worse. Fortunately, I’ve had some decent donations the last couple days but not nearly where I need to be.”

The most needed items include tuna, chili with beans, and oatmeal. While pantry hours are by appointment only, donations can be made during store hours.

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