Atmos Energy and Extra Table Fed Children Throughout the Holidays

HATTIESBURG – Through its Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities program, Atmos Energy joined forces with Extra Table by donating $30,000 that was used to purchase healthy snack packs for Mississippi children to enjoy while home from school throughout the holidays. The partners agree child nutrition is critical.

In Mississippi, 1 in 4 children struggle with hunger, and food insecurity has drastically increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many food pantries throughout the state are currently seeing a 3050% percent increase in request for food. During the holidays, children were out of school and going without free, school-provided breakfast and lunch, heightening this need for food.

“Hunger affects children in every community we serve. Our kids are starting school on an empty stomach, which impacts their ability to focus and learn,” said Kevin Akers, Atmos Energy president and CEO. “Atmos Energy made a contribution to support local food programs in the 1,400 communities we serve, so hungry children get the food they need before, during, and after the school day and on weekends and holidays as well.”

With the donation from Atmos Energy, Extra Table was able to purchase thousands of individual snack packs, each containing foods like juice, cereal, nut butter packets and granola bars. The packs were distributed to Extra Table’s partner food pantries in 13 Atmos service area cities across Mississippi providing children with the valuable nutrients that are vital to their development of growth.

“Extra Table exists to end hunger in Mississippi, and it is thanks to generous partners like Atmos Energy that we are able to continue on this mission and tailor our mission for this project to focus on serving the youngest of citizens during school breaks,” states Extra Table Executive Director, Martha Allen. “We have seen firsthand the painful effects that COVID-19 has had on our communities. These snack packs were just the ‘fuel’ children needed to get the day started or for a pick-meup in between meals. We know empty tummies are not conducive to education. Snack packs offered the protein and vitamins needed for proper growth and development.”

To learn more about the efficient and effective way Extra Table works to feed our hungry neighbors, visit www.extratable.org or call 601-264-0672. Extra Table is always looking to grow and increase their abilities to feed more people. Supportive donors are needed to ensure continued growth, visit www.extratable.org/donate to become a partner in tackling hunger.