Food pantry & community outreach · Brandon, Mississippi
A community in action.
At Vine Place Community Outreach, we believe real change is measured not in words, but in action. We connect available resources to enrich the lives of people in need across Rankin County and surrounding communities.
Need groceries?
Pantry hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Our mission
To secure and redirect God's resources
To connect available resources to enrich the lives of those in need within the community. Our work provides support and resources for individuals and families and promotes solutions that lead to an improved quality of life through compassion, education, youth development, and senior care.
Our vision
To meet the needs of God's people
To meet the mandate of God; to meet the needs of God's people within the church and community — a community in action, using available resources to enrich lives by fulfilling families' spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
Our history
From a vision to a lifeline
- 2017
True Vine Baptist Church leadership begins shaping the vision for a community outreach ministry.
- July 2019
Vine Place Community Outreach is founded by Rev. Stanley James on the campus of True Vine Baptist Church.
- 2020
As COVID-19 reaches the region, VPCO quickly expands food assistance with help from foundations, donors, churches, businesses and partners.
- Dec. 2020
Trustmark National Bank (Brandon branch) donates $2,000 to the food pantry.
- Today
An all-volunteer team serves neighbors every Tuesday and Thursday, with senior services and new programs in development.
Our values
Dignity and fair access for everyone
VPCO welcomes people of all backgrounds and works to remove barriers to food access and community support.
Welcome for all
We serve neighbors of every background and make our pantry and programs a welcoming place.
Fair distribution
Resources are shared fairly and equitably, with care for people who face the greatest barriers.
Always improving
We train volunteers, review our policies, and work with partners to keep improving how we serve.
Founder
Rev. Stanley Ray James
Founder · Pastor, True Vine Baptist Church
Rev. Stanley James founded Vine Place Community Outreach in 2019. He is the pastor of True Vine Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi.
Leadership
Board of directors
Our board and committee members.
- Acye SwiftExecutive Director
- Roger SinclairPresident
- Sandra GriffithVice President · Audit Committee Chair
- Dr. Janice DurrSecretary
- Candilyn TennerTreasurer / Assistant Secretary · PR/Marketing Committee
- Larry NicksPR/Marketing Committee Chair
- Shannon DysePR/Marketing Committee
- Keith GatesGovernance Committee Chair
- William MillerFinance Committee
- Catrina MageeFinance Committee
- Carol HarrisFundraising Committee Chair
- Dr. Marcus ChanayFundraising Committee
- Rick LefloreFundraising Committee
Pantry team · 100% volunteers
The people behind the pantry
- Lewis RaineyAgency Director
- Margaret ThompsonAgency Operations Manager
- Jackie JacksonIntake Specialist
- Earlean YoungInventory Specialist
- Derek CarterInventory Specialist
- Eisenhower "Ike" DurrLogistics Specialist
- Alvis WalkerLogistics Specialist
- Eddie BattleLogistics Specialist