%
Mississippians Experience Food Insecurity
%
Children Living In Food-Insecure Households
Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Mississippi, impacting a large portion of the population across the state. Approximately 16.3% of Mississippians—about 480,600 people—experience food insecurity, and the state has one of the highest child food insecurity rates in the nation, with 20.4% of children living in food-insecure households. Mississippi also has one of the highest per capita participation rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with 21% of its population receiving benefits. The problem is especially severe in rural areas, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, where several counties report the highest rates of food insecurity—especially among children—due to persistent economic challenges and limited access to nutritious food and essential resources.
Here’s the top 10 Mississippi counties by overall food insecurity rate (2023 estimates) based on Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap and related county data:
| Issaquena | 29.4% |
| Holmes | 26.2% |
| Jefferson | 24.8% |
| Humphreys | 24.7% |
| Washington | 24.0% |
| Wilkinson | 24.0% |
| Coahoma | 23.3% |
| Tunica | 23.0% |
| Claiborne | 22.2% |
| Quitman | 20.3% |
Approximate Number Of Meals Provided By One Deer
Hunter’s Harvest can have a powerful impact on addressing food insecurity in Mississippi, and here’s how:
Providing High-Quality Protein
- Venison is Lean, nutritious, and protein-rich
- Often low in fat and high in iron, zinc, and B vitamins
- A much-needed source of meat for families who can’t afford regular access to fresh protein
- Many Mississippi food pantries and soup kitchens rarely receive meat donations, so venison fills a critical gap.
Support Food-Insecure Households
- Over 480,000 Mississippians face food insecurity
- 1 in 5 children in Mississippi are food insecure
- Donated deer meat, when processed safely, can feed hundreds or thousands of people—1 deer can yield 40–60 lbs of meat, which can provide up to 160 meals
Ethical Use Of Renewable Resource
- Mississippi has a large deer population, and hunting is part of wildlife management
- Instead of wasting surplus game meat, donations provide sustainable nutrition to low-income families
Stronger Community Networks
- Hunters donate venison
- Processors and food banks collaborate
- Local communities benefit through shared efforts to reduce hunger and food waste.
Let’s Make A Difference Together!
For just $15 a month, you can help provide approximately 160 meals. Your support transforms harvested game into hope for those in need.
Thank You To Our Corporate Sponsors
