Junior Auxiliary of Columbus is ushering in the season of giving by providing 24 Thanksgiving meals to local families as part of the food pack program Feed to Succeed. Throughout the school year, this project works with the Mississippi Food Network to supply food to local children who are dependent on the school system for nutrition and might not be getting enough to eat at home on the weekends.

Over the last several weeks, Feed to Succeed committee members shopped for and assembled the meals, which include canned ham, gravy mix, macaroni and cheese, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and pie. The meal kits were delivered to local schools on Nov. 18, just in time for students to take home for Thanksgiving break.

Feed to Succeed committee member and third year active member Rachel Smith was a member of the provisional class that implemented the program in 2020.

“Providing food security for kids on the weekends is more than filling stomachs,” said Smith. “It builds self-confidence while calming anxieties, allows them to focus on their schoolwork, family life and enjoy just being a kid. The Thanksgiving meals provided are my favorite part of the project as it includes and supports the whole family.”

Since August, Junior Auxiliary of Columbus active members have delivered 491 backpack meals to local children.

For more information, visit www.jacolumbus.org/feed-to-succeed.