In celebratory recognition of MLK Day 2016, The Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network, The Mississippi Delta Service Corps of AmeriCorps VISTA, and collaborating partners will engage local Oxonians of all backgrounds with a community potluck on Monday from 1-5 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Oxford.

Aligning itself with social justice and community engagement, The Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network supports healthy farms and communities to develop economically and ecologically responsible local food systems throughout Mississippi. AmeriCorps VISTA supports community efforts to overcome poverty through a myriad of practices and community-led agencies.

Through the fellowship of a diverse Oxford community and a forum to discuss the cultural and economic values in Lafayette County, The Beloved Community Potluck will add momentum to existing conversations around shifting systemic poverty in Lafayette County and will host local speakers. The potluck also will feature resource tables to community members such as The Affordable Care Act (ACA), SNAP/TANF Benefits, and The American Heart Association

Prior to the event, The Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network will partner with Volunteer Oxford and The North Mississippi VISTA Project to conduct a citywide nonperishable canned-food drive, with drop off locations at CVS, Larson’s Cash Saver, Kroger, and Walmart. The Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network will visit local farms and accept local, fresh and sustainably-grown produce to be donated to community members in need, as well as two of Oxford’s local food Pantries, Love Packs and The Pantry.

Donations prior to the event can be dropped off at 68 County Road 334 and contact Jeffery Peavy at 601-248-3791 (peavyjeffery@gmail.com) and Shannon Curtis at 540-487-8677 (se.curtis9@gmail.com) with questions or for more information.