Celebrating 16 Years of Service: Extra Table FEEDS Welcomes New Director of Development
Extra Table FEEDS is marking a special milestone—16 years of helping Mississippians who struggle with hunger. To strengthen their mission, the nonprofit has welcomed Lilly Williams as the new Director of Development. This addition brings the team to three full-time staff members.
In her new role, Williams will spearhead fundraising efforts to support Extra Table’s work of providing nutritious food to those in need. The organization currently supplies over $95,000 worth of food each month, partnering with 66 food pantries across the state. Remarkably, they operate without any federal funding.
Extra Table was founded in 2009 by Robert St. John, a well-known restaurateur. His vision was simple yet powerful: raise funds to buy healthy food and deliver it to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout Mississippi.
Martha Allen, the Executive Director, expressed excitement about adding Williams to the team. “This is a significant step for us,” she said. “We’ve grown a lot, and Lilly’s passion and energy will help us reach even more Mississippians in need.”
Williams hails from the Washington, D.C. area but has made Jackson her home for the past eight years. She’s involved in local community efforts, including First Baptist Church Jackson and the Junior League of Jackson. Her connection to Mississippi runs deep through family ties.
“I’m thrilled to join Extra Table FEEDS,” Williams shared. “Feeding children and families is crucial. I can’t wait to engage with our supporters and partners across the state to further our mission.”
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Mississippi. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 16% of Mississippians faced food insecurity in 2021. This made it the state with the highest rate in the nation. Organizations like Extra Table FEEDS play a vital role in addressing this need.
In addition to their impressive food distribution, social media trends show strong community support for food banks. Hashtags like #FeedTheHungry and #EndHunger have gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. These movements help raise awareness and mobilize resources.
With Lilly Williams on board, Extra Table FEEDS is poised to expand its outreach and impact. This team is truly committed to providing hope and nourishment to those in their community.
For more on their mission, visit Extra Table.
