M.L. Tootle Food Mission
The History and Work of the M.L. Tootle Mission:
The M.L. Tootle Mission was born out of the vision of M.L. Tootle to offer a means of outreach to those in the community that needed food, clothing, and compassion. Folks in need of a hand up, not a hand out and in need of a relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ. The current building housing the mission was donated by the Mississippi Methodist Conference in 1991 and M.L. Tootle paid the moving costs. The eastern portion of the building was added in 2007 and is the dry goods storage. The small freezer and fridges were donated by various individuals that are used to hold frozen food that is available for distribution. The large refrigerators and walk-in freezer were obtained through Feeding the Gulf Coast. Food is purchased either locally from wholesale providers like Sam’s Club and from Twelve Baskets, a food distribution ministry in Gulfport that serves as a central clearing house for gleaned food, donated food, and USDA distributions. The mission is an outreach of Gateway United Methodist Church, but is supported through food and monetary donations and volunteerism by several different denominations. This year will mark 31 years of service to our community, with many more planned in the future.
oUR GREATEST NEEDS:
The greatest need for the Tootle mission is monetary support or food donations. After Katrina the families served skyrocketed to over 30 families weekly. Since the pandemic, numerous hurricanes and the economy, the skyrocket has hit the ozone layer with over 100 families served weekly. Additional space is vital for the continued operation of the mission. All donations of financial support are welcomed as well as donations in kind of food . The following food needs are ongoing and usually immediate.
• Spaghetti, sauce, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, dried beans, rice mac & cheese.
There is always a need of volunteers to help out. The mission is being manned by a small but dedicated group of men and women who assist with the needs from picking up food, purchasing food, unloading and stacking food, shelving products, and distributing food on Wednesdays from 10am-1pm.
the next steps:
The long term vision for the Tootle mission is to acquire a State of the Art building with plenty of cooler and freezer space. Keeping up with the demand that continues to increase.
ADDRESS, Hours, & CONTACT:
The mission address is: GATEWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 16020 South Swan Road, Gulfport, MS 39503, Phone: 850-217-7832. The mission is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Email Addresses Are:
mltootlefoodpantry@gmail.com or sandysellshomes4u@gmail.com
Documentation Required to Receive Food:
The M.L. Tootle Mission is open from 10 am until 1 pm every Wednesday. To register for food from the pantry, you must show the following documentation:
1. Most have an ID for anyone receiving food.
2. Proof of address in the 39503 or 39574 zip code areas.
3. Proof of income for the entire household (SNAP card, social security letter, bank statement, pay stub, alimony letter, etc.).
Once you are registered, you can pick up food twice a month.
