— Jackson, in Hinds County, in the south central area of the state, is Mississippi’s State Capitol. The city was founded in 1821, named for President Andrew Jackson, and was ravaged and burned three times during the Civil War. It experienced significant population growth after 1900, and in 2000 had a population of 184,256; the Jackson Metropolitan Area is home to 425,000 people.

According to the 2000 Census, the city is nearly three-quarters African-American (70.6%). Jackson ranks fourth among major American cities in the scope of its African-American population. The national percentage of African-Americans is 12.3%.

• The 2000 Census reveals that 23.5% of individuals are living below the poverty level, as are 31.8% of families with related children under five years of age.
• Per capita income (in 1999 dollars) for African-Americans was $12,021; for Caucasians, it was $30,280.
• 40.9% of the population is 24 years old or younger. The poverty rate for families with children under 18 years of age is 27%.

The Jackson Revival Church Center is the local Family-to-Family agency. It helps to feed more than 800 people per month, and also distributes new and used clothing.

Cynthia McLaurin, the local contact, comes from Chicago. Ms. McLaurin says she likes Jackson. Even though it has a high crime rate, poverty level, and lack of quality housing, conditions are better than she experienced up north. Ms. McLaurin notes that the Church Center could be aiding even more people if more food were available.