Mississippi Food Network

What Mississippi Food Network does

Mississippi Food Network (MFN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank (Tax ID #64-0676325) founded in 1984 and headquartered at 440 W. Beatty Street in Jackson, Mississippi. The organization functions as a centralized food acquisition, warehousing, and redistribution hub for the state, drawing donated food from food manufacturers, grocery retailers, farmers, the USDA, and individual contributors, then redistributing it through a network of 430 partner agencies (churches, food pantries, community kitchens, shelters, and daycare centers) as well as through its own direct-service programs. MFN distributes more than 2.3 million pounds of food each month, feeding approximately 163,000 people monthly and 1.96 million annually, across roughly 70 of Mississippi's 82 counties (with select coastal and northern Mississippi counties referred to Feeding the Gulf Coast and Mid-South Memphis Food Bank respectively).

MFN operates seven distinct programs: the Emergency Food Assistance Program (its core redistribution function), the Mobile Pantry Program, the BackPack Program for weekend childhood hunger, the School Pantry Program, the Kids Café/Summer Food Service Program, the Senior Grocery Program, and Molly's Mobile Market — a refrigerated truck outfitted as a mobile grocery store targeting food deserts. The organization sustains its mission via a mix of individual donations, recurring monthly gifts through the Feeding Hope 365 program, corporate sponsorships, virtual food drives, agency shared maintenance fees of $0.19 per pound, retailer-affiliate programs such as Kroger Community Rewards, and foundation grants; it claims that 95-97 cents of every donated dollar reaches programs. As a member food bank of the Feeding America national network and employer of 251-500 staff, MFN combines long-tenured donor and partner relationships with event-driven fundraising (Turkey Drive 16, Moonlight Market, MLK Packing Party) and a community-led go-to-market motion anchored by volunteers, food drives, and corporate partnerships.

The company's strategic posture has tilted toward addressing rural food deserts and food insecurity in the Mississippi Delta, evidenced by the Mars Food & Nutrition Mobile Food Pantry in Greenville (a $2.5M commitment through 2025), academic and civic alliances with Mississippi State University Extension, Alcorn State University, and the American Heart Association, and the 2023 launch of Molly's Mobile Market. Distribution infrastructure — a 62,000 sq ft main center (1996) plus a 20,000 sq ft secondary building (2003) totaling more than 80,000 sq ft — anchors the operating model, while recurring annual events and a 12-year media partnership with 16 WAPT sustain community fundraising velocity.

Name

Mississippi Food Network

Legal name

Mississippi Food Network

Website

https://msfoodnet.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Mississippi Food Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank founded in 1984 that distributes more than 2.3 million pounds of food monthly to 163,000 people through 430 partner agencies, serving food-insecure individuals, children, and seniors across Mississippi.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Bank and Hunger Relief Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food & Nutrition Assistance Programs (BPAIAKAF), Food Services Administration (Meal Eligibility, POS, Nutrition Compliance) (EDAJAHAJ)

Keywords

• Food bank operations
• Hunger relief services
• Emergency food assistance
• Food distribution network
• Charitable food programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute monetary donations to support food bank operations. Every $1 donated provides six meals to hungry Mississippians.
2. Corporate Food Donations: Food manufacturers, grocery stores, and farmers donate food products which are then distributed through the network.
3. Agency Shared Maintenance Fees: Partner agencies pay a shared maintenance fee of 19 cents per pound of product ordered to partially offset costs of soliciting, transporting, and distributing food.
4. Corporate Sponsorships and Events: Companies sponsor events like Moonlight Market and Turkey Drive 16, providing financial support and promotional partnerships.
5. Monthly Giving Program (Feeding Hope 365): Recurring monthly donations from supporters providing consistent funding for operations.
6. Kroger Community Rewards: Registered Kroger card holders can designate Mississippi Food Network to receive a percentage of their purchases through Kroger Community Rewards program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Mississippi Food Network is a centralized food bank that acquires, stores, and distributes food and household goods through a network of 430 member agencies across Mississippi. The organization distributes more than 2.3 million pounds of food monthly and operates seven targeted programs addressing the needs of food-insecure individuals and families, children, and at-risk seniors throughout the state.

Product overview

Mississippi Food Network (MFN) is a food bank nonprofit organization that operates as a centralized food distribution center, distributing more than 2.3 million pounds of food monthly through 430 member agencies. The organization offers a portfolio of seven distinct food assistance programs: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (the core distribution function), Mobile Pantry Program, The Backpack Program, School Pantry Program, Kids Café/Summer Food Service Program, Senior Grocery Program, and Molly's Mobile Market. These programs collectively serve over 163,000 people monthly, targeting children, families, seniors, and food-insecure individuals across Mississippi's rural and underserved communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Molly's Mobile Market: A new initiative from Mississippi Food Network aimed at increasing access to healthy, affordable food in rural and underserved areas. The project utilizes a refrigerated truck outfitted as a mobile grocery store to deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods directly to neighborhoods lacking nearby grocery stores.

Products and services

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program The core distribution function of Mississippi Food Network: acquiring, storing, and distributing food and household items through a network of over 430 churches and nonprofits that operate food pantries, community kitchens, and shelters throughout Mississippi's outlying rural areas.
• Mobile Pantry Program Direct-to-community food distribution that serves clients in areas of high need by delivering a variety of products including protein, fresh produce, and shelf-stable foods through mobile distribution events.
• The Backpack Program Provides weekend meal kits of child-friendly foods to hungry children on weekends and school holidays to lessen the consequence of chronic childhood hunger. Funded at $160 per child for the 32-week school year.
• School Pantry Program Helps alleviate child hunger in Mississippi through the provision of food to children and their families at school locations.
• After-School At Risk Snack Program Provides after-school snacks for at-risk children, complementing the School Pantry Program as part of MFN's school-based child hunger initiative.
• Summer Food Service Program Offers hot meals and healthy snacks to children when school is out of session, addressing childhood summer hunger gaps.
• Senior Grocery Program Provides healthy, shelf-stable food once a month to qualified at-risk seniors throughout MFN's service area to address senior food insecurity. Funded at $150 per senior per year.
• Molly's Mobile Market A new initiative utilizing a refrigerated truck outfitted as a mobile grocery store to deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods directly to neighborhoods lacking nearby grocery stores, designed as a scalable model for addressing food deserts across Mississippi.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1 donated provides six meals to hungry Mississippians
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Primewell Health ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2025Corporate partner for MLK Packing Party event, working alongside Entergy and the Pack Shack to pack 10,000 meals for those in need.
• EntergyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2025Corporate partner for MLK Packing Party event, working alongside Primewell Health Services and the Pack Shack to pack 10,000 meals for those in need.
• The Pack ShackcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2025Nonprofit organization that provides meal-packing events and infrastructure for MLK Day packing events. Partnered with MFN, Primewell Health Services, and Entergy to pack 10,000 meals.
• Mississippi Poultry AssociationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 December 2024Donated 59,500 pounds of chicken meat and 129,000 eggs to MFN and Salvation Army through Governor Tate Reeves' designation.
• Salvation ArmymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 December 2024Co-recipient of Governor's food donation from Mississippi Poultry Association along with MFN.
• KrogercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 October 2024Kroger serves as the primary retail partner for Turkey Drive 16 events across the Jackson metro area. Kroger also hosts the Community Rewards program where shoppers can designate MFN to receive donations. Present as presenting sponsor for Moonlight Market.
• University of Mississippi Medical CenterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2024Engages in community service initiatives including support for Mississippi Food Network's mission to assist neighbors in need.
• 16 WAPTcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 December 2023Media partner for Turkey Drive 16 for 12 years, raising over 645,000 meals for Mississippians. Assisted through donation events during emergencies including Rolling Fork tornado. Inducted into Feeding Hope Hall of Fame 2023.
• Mississippi State University ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2023Won 2023 Spirit of Service Award. Partner since 2018, collaborating on AIM for CHangE CDC-funded grant to enhance local food pantries with CHOICE model infrastructure. Hosted Food Summit with over 300 food pantry operators.
• Millsaps CollegecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 December 2023Won 2023 Volunteers of the Year Award. Incoming students participated in Day of Service during Welcome Week. Football team organized service trips. Collectively given countless hours of volunteer time.
• Mars Food & NutritioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2023Won 2023 Hunger's Hero Award. Committed $2.5 million investment in Greenville through 2025. Partnered with Molina Healthcare and Kroger to fund Mobile Food Pantry, providing over 280,000 meals to 7,000 residents.
• Molina HealthcaremajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2023Partnered with Mars Food & Nutrition and Kroger to expand healthy food supply and accessibility in Delta Region through Mobile Food Pantry initiatives.
• Charvarius Ward / Change with Charvarius FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 November 2023Super Bowl champion and San Francisco 49ers defensive back founded Change with Charvarius Foundation. Partnered with MFN for annual Turkey Dinner Giveaway in McComb, MS, serving hundreds of families.
• Alcorn State UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 September 2023Hosted first mobile pantry event in Claiborne County (19.2% food insecurity rate). Over 20 volunteers distributed 300 servings of shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, and protein. First in a series of planned events.
• American Heart AssociationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 September 2023Partnered with Alcorn State University and MFN to help make mobile pantry distributions happen.
• Mississippi Farm Bureau FederationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 September 2023Presenting sponsor for Moonlight Market 2023, the 7th annual fundraising event at Mississippi Farmers Market.
• Mississippi Farmers MarketmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 September 2023Hosted Moonlight Market 2023, the 7th annual fundraising event for MFN. Host venue for annual event.
• Chef Nick WallaceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 September 2023Prepared dinner for Moonlight Market 2023, featuring slow braised brisket and chicken & grits for event attendees.
• Feeding AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMFN is a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization. This membership provides access to national food supply chains, resources, best practices, and collective advocacy for food banks across the United States.
• Feeding the Gulf CoastminorOthersReferral partner for counties Perry, Greene, George, Jackson, Stone, Hancock, Pearl River, and Harrison. Individuals in these counties are directed to contact Feeding the Gulf Coast at (228) 896-6979.
• Mid-South Memphis Food BankminorOthersReferral partner for northern Mississippi counties including DeSoto, Tunica, Coahoma, Quitman, Panola, Tate, Marshall, and others. Individuals in these counties are directed to Mid-South Memphis Food Bank at (901) 527-0841.
• WalmartcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStore locations donate directly to local communities through MFN's partner network. Henry James Legge, Jr. recognized posthumously for nearly 1 million pounds of food made available through partnership.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Feeding America: The national network of food banks of which Mississippi Food Network is a member. Feeding America provides shared supply chain, USDA partnerships, advocacy, and operational standards—directly comparable as the umbrella entity for regional food bank operations.
• Salvation Army: Co-recipient with MFN of the Mississippi Poultry Association's Governor-designated food donation. Operates comparable emergency food, disaster relief, and shelter-based feeding programs as a broader nonprofit incumbent.

Regional players

• Feeding the Gulf Coast: A Feeding America member food bank serving coastal Mississippi/Alabama counties where MFN refers residents. Directly comparable as a regional food bank in the same state operating a similar agency-based distribution model.
• Mid-South Food Bank: Memphis-based Feeding America affiliate that MFN refers northern Mississippi residents to. Operates a comparable regional food bank model with agency network distribution in adjacent geography.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana: A Feeding America member food bank serving Louisiana with similar agency-distribution model, USDA/TEFAP partnerships, and senior/children nutrition programs directly comparable to MFN's portfolio.
• Arkansas Foodbank: State-level Feeding America member food bank with comparable programs (After-School, BackPack, Mobile Pantry, Senior Grocery) and agency network distribution model serving a rural Southern state.

Emerging players

• The Pack Shack: Nonprofit that partners with MFN on meal-packing events (MLK Packing Party, packing 10,000 meals). Comparable as a hunger-relief nonprofit executing community meal events and corporate volunteer activations.

Direct peers

• Food Bank of the Ozarks: Regional Feeding America food bank with similar scale, agency-network model, and program portfolio (mobile pantries, BackPack, senior programs). Comparable as a mid-sized regional food bank serving a multi-county rural area.
• Harvest Hope Food Bank: Regional food bank serving South Carolina with agency-network model and programs (BackPack, Mobile Pantry, Kids Café) that closely mirror MFN's portfolio of child, senior, and emergency food assistance programs.
• Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana: Mid-sized regional Feeding America food bank with comparable agency network, Mobile Pantry, BackPack, and Kids Café programs. Useful comparable for unit economics and program scaling benchmarks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MSFoodNet
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mississippifoodnetwork7658/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/MSFoodNetwork
• Instagraminstagram.com/msfoodnet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mississippi-food-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles29 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mississippi Food Network