By Charity Bruce Sweet, MCJ Director of Economic Justice
On November 14, 2025, the Mississippi Center for Justice brought fresh produce and grains to Delta families through our Harvest Fest in Indianola, MS. This event launched an essential conversation about food security in Mississippi and highlighted our commitment to ensuring every family has access to nutritious food.
The event offered far more than food assistance. Community organizations came together to share educational resources that support family stability and overall wellness. Alcorn State University provided information on farming and agricultural opportunities. Planters Bank offered financial planning guidance. State Representative Anthony Otis answered questions about the income and grocery taxes. The Women’s Foundation supplied feminine products to those in need. These resources equipped attendees with knowledge, tools, and connections that extend well beyond a single day. Our goal is to approach this work through a holistic lens and support families in every way we can.
A Community Effort
The response overwhelmed us. We welcomed more than 200 people, many of whom came to collect produce for disabled or elderly loved ones who were unable to attend. In just 90 minutes, we distributed over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to families across the community.
We partnered with Alcorn State University’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the Mississippi Food Network, Mars Food & Nutrition, Ben’s Original, and the Indianola Community Wellness Center to fight hunger and feed hope.
Our volunteers were the heartbeat of this effort. From warmly greeting every visitor to helping families make full use of the available resources, they ensured no one left empty-handed. We are deeply grateful to Virginia Gregory, Alwadean Redmond, Destiny Sherriod (college student), Jarresha Redmond, Carolyn Hamilton (Sunflower County Circuit Court Clerk), Victor Byas (funeral home owner), and Andrea Watkins. Their presence, compassion, energy, and commitment to serving our community enhanced the entire experience and were truly appreciated.
Beyond Distribution: Building Knowledge
We designed this event to do more than provide food. Registered dietitians led live cooking demonstrations using ingredients from the produce bags, demonstrating to families how to transform fresh ingredients into nutritious meals. Attendees sampled dishes and took home recipe cards to recreate the meals in their own kitchens.
Kids Eat in Color, LLC, sponsored 200 free copies of their “Affordable Flavors” recipe book, providing families with tools to create affordable meal plans that stretch their budgets without sacrificing nutrition.
Extending Our Reach
While Harvest Fest served the Delta, we hosted simultaneous food drives at each of our MCJ office locations across the state. The donations we collect will feed many more families as we head into the holiday season.
Looking Forward
This work represents more than emergency relief. It demonstrates what becomes possible when organizations unite around a common goal: ensuring no Mississippi family goes hungry. We will continue to advocate for policies that address food insecurity at its root causes while providing immediate support to families in need.
At the Mississippi Center for Justice, fighting hunger and feeding hope is both our honor and our joy. This is just the beginning. To learn more about our work in this area, click here. While there, take our survey to help us assess issues with public benefits and food security so that we can better understand and serve the community.
Food Resources
Food Banks Across Mississippi
MCJ Resource Map
FindHelp.org
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