GULFPORT, Fla. — Many local restaurants in Gulfport are opening their doors to give out free meals to those in need during the holidays. One local shop, the Funky Flamingo, helped to feed dozens on Christmas Day.
What You Need To Know
- Those in need are getting help from several restaurants and pantries around Gulfport
- Funky Flamingo is a shop of local produce and a food pantry to feed those in need
- Dozens were fed throughout Christmas Day
The owner of the shop, Anita McLaughlin helped to prepare a meal of ham, potatoes, Brussels sprouts and cake.
“There is always room for one more at the table and no should go hungry in our country,” McLaughlin said.
She opened the shop with her son Christopher and his husband Thomas in 2020. Tragically, her son and his husband both died in 2021 – but this business helps her to feel like her son is still around.
“If I am at home.. there’s a lot of memories. Good and bad," McLaughlin said. "But here is happy, happy memories. Something we built together and I feel a part of them here every day.”
Funky Flamingo is a shop filled with local produce and a food pantry.
Back in May, The Gulfport City Commission voted to remove the tiny food pantries that were set up on city property citing misuse as the reason. However, local churches and shops like the Funky Flamingo have stepped up to fill the gap.