Whirring through aisle after aisle of the Mississippi Food Network’s warehouse in Jackson, workers on forklifts are busy loading and unloading tractor trailers of canned and fresh food items. The reality is as soon as the food is dropped off, it’s being loaded back up for delivery. That’s because so many residents, seniors, adults, and children are hungry in Mississippi.
That’s why Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation leadership, volunteers and staff are here on this day, to hopefully do something about that need.
“You have to have a strong faith to be able to be a farmer,” said Mike McCormick, Mississippi Farm Bureau President. “I can’t think of anything that we could do to give back better than showing our mission of farmers feeding the hungry, to give back to those that are less fortunate than us.”
The need IS great. From this distribution center, 150 thousand Mississippians are fed each month. That’s over 1.8 million people per year in this state alone.
“We also want to make sure that we’re getting fresh vegetables and fresh produce as well,” said Stacey Jordan, Mississippi Food Network Fundraising Director. “That to us is part of kind of our new focus of what we’re trying to get to all those in need because it’s something that they can do at home as well.”
From large pallets to 32 pound food boxes to food filled back packs for students to help them get through the day, the connection between those who grow the food and those who desperately need it is the Mississippi Food Network. MFBF’s Central Mississippi Vice President, Ted Kendall is the Mississippi Food Network’s board chairman this year.
“Mississippi is the food neediest state in the United States, and it’s important that we do what we can do to grow the food, so it’ll go to people who need it the most,” said Kendall. “One thing that I’ve learned since being involved here is how dependent the Food Network is on programs that are authorized and funded through the farm bill. Over half the food that comes through the Food Network comes through those programs.”
One in six Mississippians don’t have enough to eat. Unfortunately, that makes Mississippi number one in the nation. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation with offices in every county in the state is trying to change that by bringing farmers and ranchers to the table…to help.
“Going above and beyond for Farm Bureau is so vitally important for us,” said McCormick. “I think it not only helps those that we are trying to reach and help, but it also gives a purpose for our members to be able to give back to their communities.”
Learn more about The Hunger Problem in Mississippi at msfoodnet.org as well as how to sign up to volunteer or donate.