PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -
In this troubled economy, many people who've never asked for public assistance before are having to apply for food stamps and Medicaid. A bill in the Mississippi Senate would require able-bodied people receiving such benefits to pay it forward by doing community service.
John Dukes of Moss Point said times are hard for him right now. He's grateful for the hot meals he gets from a Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Pascagoula and for the benefits he receives from the government.
"EBT, food stamps. I get government assistance phone," said Dukes. "Now I'm trying to get my disability started."
Mississippi is considering a law requiring anyone living in public housing or receiving Medicaid or food stamps do at least 20 hours of community service a week, if they are physically able.
Jackson County Leigh Ann Holloway said in recent months she has struggled financially, but she still supports the idea.
"I think it would be good assistance to give back to the community. The Daily Bread does so much for so many. You come down here and volunteer a few hours of the day to give back to say how much you appreciate what's been given to you."
"That is a brilliant idea," said Mary Meldren, Our Daily Bread Director. "The state of Mississippi, if they was to require people to do that, it would be a complete blessing. Because if they're able bodied, it could help out a lot of people, like we need the extra volunteers. They could send them to me."
Our Daily Bread officials said if the law passes, they know there should be plenty of volunteers because so many people who come eat here depend on government assistance.
Meldren said, "The first of the month, everybody including the homeless, they get their checks. So I guess we fall back to about a 100 [meals] a day. Then after the first of the month, we start climbing back up to 150, 200 a day."
"I think everybody on food stamps and gets that free government money, I think they should be tested for drugs because if you've got the money for drugs then you don't need food stamps," said Meldren.
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