Photo by Trei Johnson
A small Gulfport food pantry that has quietly helped residents for nearly two years now needs help from the community.
Funky Flamingo owner Anita McLaughlin started the pantry after the city shut down two free pantries several years ago. Since then, residents have been able to walk into her store, take what they need, and leave — no questions asked.
For most of the pantry’s existence, donations kept the shelves stocked. Now, McLaughlin said the economy has changed that.
Photo by Trei Johnson
Because supplies have dropped, she keeps basic items out for anyone who comes in. Meanwhile, she saves higher-demand staples, such as tuna and peanut butter, for families and people with greater need.
“It’s not easy, but you’ve got to pick and choose,” she said.
The pantry serves a wide range of people, including families, older residents, and people who stop in daily for something simple, such as a can of soup.
Salty Pup Steps In
To help restock the shelves, Salty Pup launched a June food drive for the Funky Flamingo pantry.
Jody Musselman, who owns Salty Pup with his husband, Jeff, said the business wanted to support a neighbor and loyal customer.
“We thought this would be a great partnership to hopefully bring some more food into her food pantry,” Musselman said.
Through the end of June, customers can drop off nonperishable food donations at Salty Pup. Then, the store will deliver the items to Funky Flamingo.
Musselman said hearing that McLaughlin now has to ration food hurt.
“To know that there’s people out there in this day and age, in this country where we live, that are still struggling just to eat, it’s heartbreaking,” Musselman said.
Photo by Trei Johnson
A Pantry With No Shame Attached
McLaughlin said the pantry works because people can use it discreetly. They do not have to prove need, tell their story, or ask permission.
People come in, take food, and leave with a bag. To anyone outside, they look like any other customer.
For McLaughlin, that matters.
She knows what it feels like to struggle. She said she has gone through bankruptcy, rolled pennies, and pawned belongings for baby formula. Her compassion for people who need the pantry comes from experience.
“I’ve walked that street before,” McLaughlin said. “It’s not easy.”
However, donations have slowed during the past year. As a result, McLaughlin has started rationing some items for the first time.
“Nobody should be hungry,” McLaughlin said.
That experience shapes how she runs the pantry. She checks expiration dates, sorts donations carefully, and only puts out food she would eat herself.
Funky Flamingo Keeps a Legacy Alive
The pantry is only part of Funky Flamingo’s story.
McLaughlin said her son and his husband opened the business during the COVID-19 pandemic. They planned to run the shop while she stayed mostly retired.
Then, both men died in early 2021. Instead of closing the store, McLaughlin kept going.
“I was supposed to be retired,” she said. “They were going to be the worker bees.”
Now, she runs Funky Flamingo herself. The store sells local produce, tomatoes, jams, sauces, honey, and other goods. It also accepts some donated clothing, blankets, and coats, which McLaughlin often gives away to people who need them.
The business, she said, helps keep her moving.
“I could sell and rot, or I could keep the doors open,” McLaughlin said. “I think it’s kept me going.”
How To Help
Residents can help the pantry by donating nonperishable food items at Funky Flamingo and Salty Pup through the end of June.
They can also support the effort by shopping at Funky Flamingo. McLaughlin said the store makes the pantry possible.
“Without the business, there is no pantry,” she said.
For McLaughlin, the food drive reflects what local businesses and residents can do for one another.
“Neighbors helping neighbors,” she said.
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