JD Fogas 
Hazel Robinson, Martha Thomas, Randy Woods and Rena Alam serving up Thanksgiving meals - 2023 (Photo courtesy of Martha Thomas)
For the past 10 years, Martha Thomas has been a beacon of hope and generosity in Vicksburg. Through her initiative, Mama’s Hope, she has fed hundreds of residents each Thanksgiving. Inspired by her late mother, Helen Thomas—a nursing home dietitian who spent over three decades collecting canned goods for those in need—Thomas turned her grief into action after her mother’s passing in 2013.
A legacy of giving: Carrying on the tradition
“Mama’s Hope is something that I started after the death of my mother,” Thomas explained. “She was a nursing home worker. She was a dietitian for 32 years, and she would always, every Thanksgiving, she would accept and collect canned goods or whatever for patients at the nursing home or her neighbors.”
After her mother passed, Thomas knew she wanted to carry on the tradition. However, she decided to take it a step further by serving hot meals instead of providing food boxes.
“When she passed, I just decided to extend it. And instead of giving them boxes, just feed as many people as I can. I started in 2014, so this is my 10th year,” she shared. “Other than that, it’s just a pleasure for me, and, you know, I just love doing it.”
A community effort
In its first year, Mama’s Hope served 75 meals. Today, that number has grown significantly.
“The first year, I think, which was in 2014, I think I fed about 75 people. But from 2014 until now, I’m up to over 400 people,” said Thomas. “We don’t know what to expect this year.”
Thomas began this journey with a small team of siblings and close friends. Over time, her group of volunteers has grown to include about 10 dedicated helpers. The community has also rallied behind her efforts, including local government officials and the Vicksburg Police Department.
“The City of Vicksburg has been graciously helpful as far as helping me to get them delivered. Penny Jones, Mayor Flaggs, Troy Kimble, and several other police department workers did do a lot of delivering for us,” Thomas said, reflecting on last year’s efforts.
Serving meals with a side of love
Each year, Thomas collects names of those in need through social media and phone calls. She encourages residents to come forward if they know someone who could use a Thanksgiving meal.
“If the community knows anyone, any citizen that’s living alone or in a citizen home or disabled or homeless, that’s in need of a dinner, contact me at 769-232-0080 or inbox me on Facebook, Martha Thomas.”
Deliveries for this year’s meals will take place on Wednesday, November 22, ensuring recipients have their meals ready for Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day at 2021 Military Avenue for those unable to receive deliveries.
As Thomas prepares for her 10th year of Mama’s Hope, her mission remains steadfast. “It’s all about spreading love and giving back, one meal at a time,” she said.
About The Author
Tessa Elizabeth Scandizzo 
Heart of Vicksburg Staff 
Kelley Branch 
