It’s great to be No. 1 . . . at most things. But here in Mississippi, we’re No. 1 at something that’s really heartbreaking:

Hunger.

It’s true. Mississippi has the worst hunger problem in America.

Almost 1 in 6 Mississippians — about 480,600 people — don’t have enough to eat. More than 1 in 5 children (18.8%) go to bed hungry most nights. Stomachs are growling all over the state. Hunger is a problem all across America. But in Mississippi, it’s practically an epidemic.

1 in 8 of Mississippi’s seniors (12.6%) experience regular shortfalls in food. It would take almost $300 million to meet the food needs of every hungry person in our state.

We’re No. 1.

Not coincidentally, Mississippi is also America’s poorest state. Both poverty and hunger are clearly intertwined.

We are a very rural state with complex geographical  issues that make food distribution a challenge too. In other words, even when food banks have enough food, getting it to the right people isn’t always easy.

But the challenges aren’t impossible. Mississippi Food Network works with more than 430 partner agencies to help distribute food to those who need it most. It can be done.

We’re No. 1.

Frankly, we’re tired of that distinction. We want to fall in those rankings. It can happen, but it’s going to take a group effort. And that means you have a role to play in making it happen.

We can’t do it without you. Please join us in the fight against hunger.

Who makes deposits in a Food Bank?

Where does the food go?