Three-year grant provides two mobile food pantry distributions of 500 meals per month in cities of Earle and Turrell
Donation follows Southland’s 2025 projects to revitalize kitchens of two West Memphis community organizations
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis today announced it is providing up to $180,000 over three years to the Mid-South Food Bank to support mobile food pantries and meal distribution to individuals and families in need in Crittenden County, Ark., where the casino is located.
The grant funds will support Mid-South Food Bank’s purchase of food and operations and transportation costs for two monthly mobile food pantry distributions at designated sites in the cities of Earle and Turrell in Crittenden County. About 500 meals, or the equivalent pounds of packaged food, will be distributed each month.
“Southland Casino Hotel is committed to supporting our local community throughout the year, especially when it comes to fighting hunger,” said Osi Imomoh, Southland’s president and general manager. “We are proud to once again partner with the Mid-South Food Bank to accomplish this for those in need in Crittenden County.”
The Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis aids those facing food insecurity across 31 counties in the region.
“We are committed to delivering nutritious and wholesome food to local agencies and distribution sites, so we are very pleased that Southland Casino Hotel is making this possible for us to accomplish in Crittenden County,” said Scott Fortin, president and CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank. “Our mission is to eliminate hunger in the region, and we’re proud to provide tens of millions of pounds of food to children, seniors and families in need annually.”
Southland earlier this year completed major projects to revitalize the kitchen and other facilities of two West Memphis nonprofit organizations that serve those in need: Hope House Ministries, which will assist with the mobile food pantry distributions in Earle and Turrell, and 8th Street Mission.
At Hope House Ministries, Southland facilitated the purchase and installation of a new freezer and cooler, improving food storage capacity, creating new space for prepared foods to help ensure the consistent availability of perishable items for distribution. In total, Southland contributed about $123,000 to the project.
Southland not only funded the projects, but its culinary and facilities teams also oversaw the purchase and installation of the equipment.
Southland Casino Hotel earlier this year completed major projects to revitalize the kitchen and other facilities of two West Memphis nonprofit organizations that serve those in need: Hope House Ministries, which will assist with the mobile food pantry distributions in Earle and Turrell, and 8th Street Mission.
Southland also completed a more than $183,000 project to enhance the facilities of the 8th Street Mission, which provides emergency housing and long-term recovery housing for members of the West Memphis community. There were several components to the project, including:
- A kitchen remodel with a new freezer and appliances that will improve the mission’s food production capabilities and maintain sanitary conditions.
- Main bathroom upgrades, including the full renovation of the men’s and women’s bathrooms to ensure functionality and hygiene.
- Enhancements to the chapel/dining hall, including new tables, lighting and restored flooring, creating a more welcoming environment.
“We recognized the unique needs of these organizations,” Imomoh said. “We are happy to provide support to these vital programs for those in need in our region. It’s a philosophy that ladders down from the approach of Delaware North, our parent company.”
Construction is also continuing on the Carolyn & Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter, funded by a $1.7 million donation from Delaware North and Southland Casino Hotel to the City of West Memphis. The former Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Center was demolished, and installation of the storm, sewer and site water systems has been completed. Work on electrical, plumbing and interior construction is underway.
The new shelter, expected to open in 2026, will be significantly larger than the current shelter and will address challenges in terms of location and maintenance.
About Southland Casino Hotel
Southland Casino Hotel has been a major racing venue for more than 60 years and recently opened its new casino that boasts 2,300 total slot machines, as many as 50 live table games, sports betting, and a new 300-room, 20-story hotel plus a covered parking garage with over 1,400 spaces. Restaurants at Southland include The Kitchens – a unique buffet experience, Ignite Steakhouse, The Fry House, The Grind Coffee Bar, Seasons Cafe and Betly Sports Bar & Grill – while new bars include the Chairman’s Bar, Charred Oak Bourbon Bar and the Ignite Steakhouse Bar.
Southland’s accommodations, amenities and service earned it the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating in 2025 and various awards, including 17 Casino Player magazine Best of Gaming awards in 2024. It was voted the best casino in the Memphis, Tenn., region and has been featured in Casino Player and many publications in several states as a top entertainment destination in the Mid-South.
Southland has long been a pivotal fixture of the West Memphis community, strongly supporting the community with jobs, business stability and economic contributions. It has consistently won awards for its outstanding community service, including millions of dollars donated to neighborhood charities and educational institutions. Southland is owned and operated by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment. SouthlandCasino.com