Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
The holidays may bring food insecurity to the forefront, but Feeding the Gulf Coast focuses on this issue of hunger throughout the year.
The organization has provided food for those in need for
over 40 years. The food bank serves 24 counties across South Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. In 2023, it provided more than 32 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners. Statistics show the stark reality that one in five people in South Mississippi needs food assistance.
“We envision a hunger-free central Gulf Coast. We are working to nourish our community and help establish stronger, healthier families,” says Michael Ledger, president and CEO. “The food bank relies on food, feet, and funds to achieve our mission.
Small contributions by every individual make a tremendous, collective impact in ending hunger. Feeding the Gulf Coast and our partners rely on the generosity of volunteers and donors. For every $5 donated, Feeding the Gulf Coast can provide 25 meals.”
Feeding the Gulf Coast fights hunger through community partnerships and programs by creating equitable access to
nutritious food and resources for those facing systemic poverty, crisis, or disaster. A four-star rated organization by Charity Navigator, Feeding the Gulf Coast is one of the most efficient nonprofits nationally, with over 98 percent of all donations going directly into the community.
“We strive to earn and maintain trust through transparency and sound stewardship of the resources our partners and supporters provide,” Ledger said. “We efficiently use the resources entrusted to us because we only accomplish our mission through the generosity of others. Our partners, donors, volunteers, and friends make this monumental effort possible.”
You can help give back this holiday season for South Mississippians facing food insecurity. Donate by visiting www.feedingthegulfcoast.org or scan the QR code.
Feeding the Gulf Coast Mississippi Branch 1501 34th St., Gulfport 228.896.6979 www.feedingthegulfcoast.org
story and photos courtesy of Feeding the Gulf Coast
60 | December 2024
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