Mississippi Food Network will kick off its Mobile Pantry Program on the Lorman campus of Alcorn State University on Thursday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the new football parking lot. Individuals should not arrive before 9:45 a.m.

The Program is first come, first serve.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to expand our reach into Claiborne County and partner with Alcorn State University,” said Catherine Montgomery, MS, RD, LD, CHES, Strategic Impact manager at MFN. “Through this valuable initiative, we will be able to enhance our services in the area to better meet the needs of the local community and the university staff/students. We thank Alcorn State University for the hospitality and look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

The Mobile Pantry Program directly serves neighbors in underserved areas of the state. Each mobile pantry distributes a variety of products, including protein, fresh produce, and shelf-stable foods.

“Our location is deemed a food desert because the nearest grocery store is 20 minutes away,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, interim president. “This opportunity is our chance to give back to the local community and serve as a host site for the Mississippi Food Network to meet the health and nutrition needs of the Alcorn community and Southwest Mississippi. The National Center for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments notes that at least one in three college students face food insecurity.”

Dr. Natasha Hutson, dean of University College, notes the impact on individuals facing food insecurity.

“Unmet food and nutrition needs are consequential to all facets of life—physical, mental, emotional, and social,” said Hutson. “Our partnership with the Mississippi Food Network to support the food security needs of our campus and surrounding communities contributes to thriving families where students and parents can be their best and succeed in life.”
This grant-funded initiative will enhance MFN’s reach into a very rural and underserved county of our service area.

The Alcorn State University Mobile Pantry will provide food to 300 households each month through February 2024.