Fighting Hunger in Mississippi: The Impact of Extra Table

In the heart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a nonprofit organization is making significant strides in combating hunger across the state. Founded in 2009 by restaurateur Robert St. John, Extra Table operates with a mission to provide new, healthy food to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Mississippi. They follow his vision of making sure there’s always enough food on the table — not just for ourselves, but for those in need. He was inspired by the idea that if everyone had just a little extra, they could share it — like adding an extra place at the table for someone hungry. As of 2024, the organization partners with 63 food pantries across 51 counties, distributing approximately 1.3 million pounds of food annually—all at no cost to the recipients.

Understanding the Hunger Landscape in Mississippi

Mississippi faces a daunting challenge: 16-18% of its residents, including over 121,000 children, experience food insecurity daily. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, with food pantries reporting a 30-50% increase in demand. Extra Table addresses this crisis by supplying nutritious, shelf-stable foods to its partners, ensuring that vulnerable populations have consistent access to meals.

Martha Allen: Steering the Mission Forward

Robert St. John, Founder of Extra Table & Martha Allen, Executive Director

Martha Allen serves as the Executive Director of Extra Table is Executive Director. Her dedication and innovative approach have been instrumental in the organization's growth. With a background rooted in community service from her upbringing in the Mississippi Delta, Allen has expanded Extra Table's reach significantly. Under her leadership, the organization has grown by 174% over the past five years.

Allen's commitment goes beyond administrative duties; she has been known to work as the sole employee during challenging times, orchestrating the delivery of over 1.2 million pounds of food in a single year. Her philosophy of "neighbors feeding neighbors" emphasizes community involvement and respect for those served.

Innovative Programs and Community Engagement

Extra Table's initiatives extend beyond food distribution. The "Extra Full" program, for instance, mobilizes volunteers to pack meal kits, fostering community engagement and awareness. In Vicksburg, approximately 100 volunteers packed 10,000 meals in under two hours, demonstrating the power of collective action.

The organization also collaborates with partners like CHOW Purchasing to manage logistics, ensuring efficient delivery of food supplies. These strategic partnerships enable Extra Table to adapt to changing circumstances and meet the growing needs of Mississippi's food-insecure populations.

Get Involved

Extra Table's success is a testament to the impact of dedicated leadership and community collaboration. To learn more about their work or to contribute to their mission, visit extratable.org or follow them on Instagram.

By supporting organizations like Extra Table, individuals can play a part in alleviating hunger and fostering a healthier, more equitable Mississippi.