Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2023

GIVING BACK
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Feeding the Gulf Coast
The holidays may bring food insecurity to the forefront, but Feeding the Gulf Coast focuses on this issue throughout the year. The organization has been providing food for the hungry for 40-plus years. Formerly known as Bay Area Food Bank, it serves 24 counties in South Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle and is an affiliate of Feeding America. In 2022 nearly 29 million meals were provided. Statistics show that one in seven people in the area need food assistance.
“Our Vision is a hunger-free Central Gulf Coast. We are working to nourish our community and help establish stronger, healthier families,” says Michael Ledger, President and CEO. “You can make a difference for our hungry neighbors when you donate time, food or money.”
Feeding the Gulf Coast fights hunger through community partnerships and programs by creating equitable access to nutritious food and resources for those facing systemic poverty, crisis, or disaster. A four-star rated organization by Charity Navigator, Feeding the Gulf Coast is one of the most efficient nonprofits nationally with over 98% of all donations being put back into the community.
The organization’s core values are integrity, stewardship of
resources, accountability, service and diversity and inclusion. “We strive to earn and convey trust by openness and honesty
in all relationships, dealings, and transactions,” Ledger said. “We efficiently use the resources entrusted to us because
we only accomplish our mission through the generosity of others.”
Clear, measurable outcomes and targets have been established that can be measured for competence and effectiveness. “We commit ourselves to provide excellent service and continually strive to meet the needs of our clients with compassion,” Ledger said. “We believe that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our values. We support and actively aim to create an inclusive environment that embraces all, regardless of race, gender identity, experience, economic status, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.”
Feeding the Gulf Coast Mississippi Branch
1501 34th St., Gulfport 228.896.6979 www.feedingthegulfcoast.org
82 | December 2023
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