Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Andy Gipson, is urging residents to support local food banks during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown has raised concerns about the future of assistance programs like SNAP, leading to increased demand at food banks as the holiday season approaches.
Gipson said, “The federal shutdown is creating real challenges for hardworking Americans. And now, truly needy folks, including those who rely on SNAP benefits for food, are wondering how they’ll put food on the table.” He noted that many people have contacted him about helping vulnerable groups such as the sick, elderly, and single parents with young children.
He emphasized Mississippi’s tradition of community support during difficult times and encouraged individuals and businesses to contribute to local food banks and pantries. Gipson highlighted that a $10 donation could provide up to 50 meals for families in need.
Three Feeding America Food Banks serve Mississippi: Mid-South Food Bank (midsouthfoodbank.org), Mississippi Food Network (msfoodnet.org), and Feeding the Gulf Coast (feedingthegulfcoast.org). These organizations support local pantries across all 82 counties in the state. Donation opportunities are available on their websites.
Organizing food drives through churches, schools, or community groups is another way to help. Additionally, those interested in purchasing local food for donation can visit GenuineMS.com to buy directly from farmers.
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has expedited Local Food Purchase Assistance resources from the USDA to aid these efforts. Farmers interested in supplying food banks can register at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/FoodBank/.
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