Mississippi Power Foundation continues partnership with Extra Table FEEDS to combat food insecurity in the state

Gulfport, Miss. – The Mississippi Power Foundation has once again partnered with Extra Table FEEDS to combat food insecurity in southeast Mississippi this summer, continuing its commitment to providing customer assistance when they need it most.

The foundation has invested in the organization’s summer boost feeding program which helps feed families when children are not receiving meals from school. Additionally, Extra Table FEEDS and the Mississippi Power Foundation are working together to establish five new food pantries in southeast Mississippi. The $225,000 foundation contribution will ensure every county in Mississippi Power’s service territory has an Extra Table FEEDS supported pantry.

“Our goal is to be a leader in the fight against food insecurity in the state,” said Mississippi Power Foundation Executive Director Arnie Williams. “Food insecurity continues to be a pressing need in our communities, so we are committed to meeting our customers where they are and delivering support when it matters most. Extra Table FEEDS has shown us time and time again that they are an outstanding partner that creates positive change right here in our backyards so we’re proud to be their partner in expanding access to food.”

Extra Table FEEDS’ summer feeding boost program provides local families with breakfast snack packs that include cereal, nut butter and other healthy snack options. With the Mississippi Power Foundation’s investment, every Extra Table FEEDS pantry in the state will be able to serve families through this program.

“Approximately 74% of Mississippi children rely on free or reduced school meals, many of which disappear during summer months,” said Extra Table FEEDS Executive Director Martha Allen Price. “An investment like this from the Mississippi Power Foundation is critical this time of year and will go a long way in ensuring that Mississippi’s children have access to meals.”

Later this summer, Extra Table FEEDS’ reach will expand to five additional counties because of the Mississippi Power Foundation’s investment. Residents in Clarke, Jefferson Davis, George, Greene and Perry counties will then have access to a local Extra Table pantry.

“By supporting these additional pantries, every Mississippi Power customer who needs support with feeding their family will have access to food support, bringing us one step closer to all Mississippians having an Extra Table FEEDS pantry in their own county,” continued Williams. “Partnerships like this are a true win/win – we’re able to work towards a common goal that benefits local families and our communities as a whole.”

In 2025, Extra Table FEEDS served Mississippi families more than 2.7 million meals. After the five additional pantries are added, Extra Table FEEDS will support more than 70 local food pantries and soup kitchens across the state.

“In the last six years, our organization has grown by 174% and we would not be able to sustain this growth or our mission without committed partners like the Mississippi Power Foundation,” added Price. “We are incredibly thankful for their support and are thrilled to see the difference we can make together.”

About Mississippi Power

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for nearly 194,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power has served its communities for more than a century and is an industry leader in safety, reliability and economic development. The Southeastern Electric Exchange recognized the company for Top Safety Performance in its generation category, and Site Selection named Mississippi Power a top utility driving economic development in the United States. For reliability, The Edison Electric Institute has recognized Mississippi Power with multiple Emergency Response Awards for outstanding storm response. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for company updates.

About Extra Table FEEDS

Extra Table FEEDS was founded by chef and restaurateur Robert St. John in 2009. We are a statewide nonprofit food bank, receiving ZERO federal funds. We are dedicated to fighting food insecurity by fundraising to purchase and deliver nutritious, shelf-stable food to our pantry and soup kitchen partners across the state. Celebrating our 16th year, Extra Table FEEDS continues to deliver on our promise: every plate tells the story of hope, nourishment, and community.

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