JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) -A new CEO ushers in the next chapter for the MS Food Network, the state’s largest and most vital hunger relief organization. Karli Coughlin has a clear vision, to establish the non-profit as the most effective and trusted hunger-relief agency in Mississippi.
Coughlin walked the aisle of MS Food Network’s 62,000 square foot warehouse Monday with the goal of establishing the non-profit as the most effective and trusted hunger relief agency in the state.
“Mississippi is just rich in so many things, and their agricultural roots are one of those benefit,” said Coughlin. “How would we leveraged that in the past? How should we be leveraging that in the future”.
The former Tyson Foods administrator and Washington state native isn’t new to the Magnolia State. The MS State Agra Business Program graduate worked with the MS Food Network during the pandemic.
“I was here during COVID and worked in meal programs and food pantries in Starkville during that time,” said the newly appointed CEO. “And on a person note I actually met my husband here at St. Joe’s pantry in Starkville”.
MFN supports 430 pantries across 56 counties, providing meals to 163,000 Mississippians each month. Pantry visits are up 36 percent over last year. Coughlin has a plan.
“So are we able to create a business model with farmers in Mississippi where they allow us a portion of the land they they’re farming, and we pay them. So there’s something in it for them, then also brings food to us,” said the 53 year old.
In the six weeks on the job she’s volunteered at local food pantries and mobile feeding events, in the community to get feedback.
“Hunger is not a fact of life in Mississippi,” added Coughlin.“ It’s a solvable problem, and we intend to solve it”.
MFN’s Chief Executive and team are gearing up for Volunteer Saturday September 12 during Hunger Action Month.
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Dining and Cooking