Extra Table says 17,000 people in Forrest co. need food

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Extra Table a non-profit organization which partners with local pantries and offers healthy meals said there's a need to feed Pine Belt residents.

Executive Director Michael Dixon said in Forrest county alone there are 17,000 people who need food.

Dixon said people have a certain image in their head when they think of someone who needs food, but those who are hungry can be neighbors, classmates, and friends.

He said, "Hunger is much bigger than that, you're talking about single moms, working parents, you're talking about students eating school sponsored foods, and then not eating until the next day."

“I think a lot of times for folks who are in that place and in that need, there can be a lot of embarrassment or shame behind it, so they do not tell anyone" said Dixon.

Extra Table has expanded in the past year and Dixon said they are serving more and more people. "We are in 20 counties across the state, 25 locations."

He added, "It can even be difficult sometimes to go to the locations to pick up the food that they are observing of, and is provided for them, so often you are not going to know who those folks are.”

Although they are serving more residents, the organization has received more help with various pantries and organizations who believe in their mission.

To find out how you can donate to Extra Table you can click here.