More Than a Meal: Serving Oxford’s Community with Food, Fellowship, and Support

Since September 2009, More Than a Meal has provided a warm, nourishing dinner to those in need every Tuesday evening in Oxford. This dedicated volunteer-run organization serves a meal and a sense of community, friendship, and support to individuals and families facing tough times.

More Than a Meal’s mission is simple but powerful: to offer good food, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to people in need. Every week, volunteers gather at Central Elementary School, located at 409 Washington Ave., to serve a hearty, well-balanced meal to around 75 to 120 guests. These guests, who are lovingly referred to as “friends,” receive not only dinner but also access to essential toiletries, tutoring for children, and the opportunity to engage with others in a welcoming environment.

“We offer more than just food,” says Sarah Beth Gary, one of the organization’s leaders. “We offer fellowship, friendship, and support. It’s a place where people can come, enjoy a nutritious meal, and feel part of a community.”

Each week, a different church group or organization sponsors the meal, preparing a nutritious menu for the evening. These groups often bring extra touches, like table decorations for the 15 long tables where guests gather. More Than a Meal provides the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth operation, including food preparation gloves, trash bags, and take-out containers for guests who need to take their meals home.

In addition to the meals, More Than a Meal has a growing focus on addressing the personal physical needs of its guests. The organization accepts donations of essential toiletries like soap, body wash, diapers, pull-ups, deodorant, lotion, toilet paper, and paper towels. These items are given out weekly, ensuring that guests have access to the basic necessities that many of us take for granted.

The volunteers who make More Than a Meal possible come from all walks of life and are involved in a variety of ways. They help by greeting guests, visiting with them, tutoring children, distributing toiletries, and even supervising kids on the playground or helping them with arts and crafts. Volunteers also assist with the meal service, help out in the kitchen, and provide entertainment or educational programs for the guests. There are also health screenings, flu shots, financial planning advice, and performances, such as puppet shows from the Oxford Public Library, that further enrich the experience.

“The Oxford community has always been incredibly supportive of More Than a Meal,” Gary adds. “We rely heavily on the generosity of local churches, organizations, and individuals to provide meals, toiletries, and volunteer time. I am consistently overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we receive—it’s truly a blessing to live in a community so committed to helping others.”

If you’re interested in helping More Than a Meal, there are several ways to get involved:

  • Donate Toiletries: Items like body wash, shampoo, diapers, deodorant, and paper towels are always in high demand. Donations can be dropped off at the Stone Center on Tuesdays between 4 and 6 p.m.
  • Volunteer: Volunteers are needed to greet visitors, help with meals, tutor children, assist with health screenings, and more. Whether you have an hour or more to give, your support is always welcome.

For more information about More Than a Meal, to volunteer, or to donate, you can email them at mtamoxford@gmail.com or connect on social media. Every contribution—whether through donations, volunteering, or just spreading the word—helps make this important community program a success.

Central Elementary School, located at 409 Washington Ave. in Oxford, MS