Starkville Strong's Second Servings is a community-focused initiative led by our team that aims to combat food insecurity in Starkville, MS, by repurposing surplus food from local restaurants, community events, and Greek life organizations. This program is expanding its reach and efficiency in collecting, storing, repurposing and distributing nutritious food to those in need, currently reducing waste and hunger simultaneously.

Second Servings collaborates and partners with food distributors and food donors, ensuring our robust network includes better access to nutritious food.

Starkville Strong's Second Servings program was created to address two pressing issues in the community: food insecurity and food waste.

With local restaurants, events, MSU Concessions, and Greek life generating surplus food, much of it was going to waste while many families faced food shortages. Second Servings bridges this gap by collecting surplus food and safely redistributing it to local families in need. The program engages community volunteers and partners with local charities, such as J.L. King Center and Casserole Kitchen, Community Counseling and more to ensure the food reaches those who need it most.

The program has built strong relationships with more than 25 local entities, including restaurants, MSU Concessions and Dining, and Greek organizations, creating a reliable network for food collection.

Complete and nutritious meals are being distributed weekly and monthly to our Distribution Partners: Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Path to Prosperity, Casserole Kitchen, Boys and Girls Club, Pine Grove Baptist Church FUMC, Plair United Methodist Church, Community Counseling and J.L. King Center. We currently have other distribution sites preparing to come online.

Over 100 community volunteers have been involved in food collection, packaging, and distribution efforts, strengthening community ties and raising awareness of the issue.

The program has increased awareness around food waste and food insecurity in Starkville, mobilizing the community to take action through outreach and education initiatives.

Meals per week average

Ready to eat meals distributed to neighbors in need

Like many communities, Starkville's food insecurity and waste occur concurrently, creating a paradox of need amidst abundance. Starkville Strong has identified a significant opportunity to bridge this gap by redirecting surplus food from potential waste to beneficial use. The resources are already here.

Our Second Servings program has established clear objectives to guide our efforts and measure our success in addressing food waste and insecurity in Starkville.

To reduce food waste in Starkville by 50% within the first two years of operation.

To increase the amount of nutritious food available to food-insecure households by 30%.

To establish partnerships with at least 20 additional local entities that generate surplus food.