Who We Are: Connect, Empower, Support
Starkville Strong addresses food insecurity, housing instability, and homelessness through direct services and advocacy.
We connect people to resources, empower individuals, and support sustainable solutions for our community.
109 S. Lafayette St.
662-314-4648
[email protected]
www.starkvillestrong.org

by Brandi Herrington

Our Core Programs
Food Security Initiatives
Starkville Strong has several programs that work to combat hunger in the local community on a daily basis:
1
These small, 24/7 accessible pantries provide free food and supplies to anyone in need. They are located throughout the community and stocked by Starkville Strong volunteers and community members.
2
This is a community event where neighbors come together to share resources, volunteer, and support one another. It's an opportunity for the community to unite and address local needs.
3
This food rescue program collects surplus food from local entities and redistributes it to those experiencing food insecurity. This helps reduce food waste while providing meals to the community.
Through these interconnected initiatives, Starkville Strong is working hard to ensure no one in the community goes unseen and unsupported. The organization connects, empowers and supports our neighbors in need.
Housing Support
We consistently advocate for affordable, available and habitable housing. We provide assistance, guidance and support to prevent homelessness for our at risk clients. We also work to provide solutions for temporary shelter for those who are displaced or homeless utilizing our Neighbor Exchange Program.
Personalized support and assistance helps individuals navigate resources using accountability and mentorship to break the cycle of poverty. We provide a hand up.
The Stronghold Community Hub is coming soon!
Community Advocacy
Educational ​programs like these were curated to provide informative experiences poverty simulations and experience.
The Homeless Experience: simulation to show the barriers and obstacles of our homeless neighbors
Housing Hustle Board Game: board game used to show how housing instability affects our neighbors​
Making Tough Choices: poverty simulation are experiences we created to raise awareness about poverty and housing challenges.
Our Core Values
We See You
Recognizing each person's unique humanity with empathy and respect.
Better Together
Harnessing the power of collaboration to create lasting change.
Lead with Sincerity
Building trust through transparency and integrity in all actions.
Stay the Path
Supporting individuals with resilience and perseverance through challenges.
Outside the Box
Finding innovative solutions to address community needs.
Free Little Pantries Network
24/7 Access
Seven strategically placed pantries provide food and hygiene items to anyone in need, anytime.
Community Powered
Pantries are restocked daily with community donations and partnerships.
Strategic Locations
Pantries are placed to reach underserved areas throughout Starkville.
Comprehensive Case Management
Crisis intervention and short-term support for urgent needs like eviction prevention.
Long-term empowerment through training, financial literacy, and job assistance.
Structured referral process connecting clients with appropriate resources.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Our monthly 𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙨 community event provides free food and hygiene products to neighbors in need, serving hundreds of families each month without any eligibility requirements or paperwork barriers.
We partner with local organizations to create an impactful experience that builds community connections while addressing immediate needs for food security and essential supplies.
Each event features:
  • Fresh produce, non-perishable foods, and prepared meals
  • Personal care and household cleaning supplies
  • Household essentials
  • Information and connection with community resources
  • Volunteer and Donor opportunities for community members to get involved
Second Servings: Fighting Food Waste
Collect
Rescue surplus food from local businesses, events and organizations.
Transform
Repurpose food into nutritious meals.
Distribute
Provide meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity through our programs and other service agencies.
Sustain
Reduce waste while feeding our community.
Community Connections
Facebook Group Hub
Our online community connects residents, shares resources, and coordinates volunteers.
Information Sharing
We announce events, share program updates, and post community resources.
Success Stories
We highlight impact to motivate others and demonstrate the effectiveness of community initiatives.
27,000 Strong
Bringing Starkville community members together to connect, empower and support with over 27,000 members.
Extensions of starkville strong
Youth Coalition
Our Youth Coalition empowers future community leaders through meaningful service and advocacy. We engage students from local schools, developing skills to address community challenges through structured programming and mentorship.
Leadership Development
Building community impact skills through workshops, peer mentoring, and project management opportunities to create effective advocates and organizers.
Awareness Campaigns
Educating peers about community challenges through social media, school presentations, and youth-led forums focused on food insecurity and resource inequality.
Fundraising Events
Supporting initiatives through creative fundraisers, benefit concerts, and community challenges that generate resources and awareness for core programs.
Volunteer Service
Providing hands-on assistance through food distribution, pantry maintenance, community gardens, and seasonal projects that directly impact neighbors in need.
Starkville Strong at MSU and EMCC
Starkville Strong at MSU and EMCC are student-led extensions of our nonprofit. They engage students in community service, advocacy, and outreach. These campus clubs help us build partnerships, recruit volunteers, and deepen our community roots. Our goal is to foster stability, equity, and empowerment through collective action.
INTERNSHIPS
Starkville Strong internships offer hands-on experience in community advocacy, support services, and nonprofit operations, providing students with meaningful opportunities to contribute to real change. Interns are integral to our mission, assisting with everything from case management and programming to educational outreach and event coordination.
Focuses: Case Management and Starkville Strong on Campus, Marketing, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, The Stronghold & Housing Initiatives, Second Servings, Educational Outreach, and Advocacy.
Starkville Strong’s Internship Program offers positions designed for students passionate about community service and social impact.
Each role at our organization empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Data from 2024

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REPORT - 2024 Year in Review

Welcome to Starkville Strong's 2024 Annual Impact Report. Despite budget limitations, we've provided essential support to hundreds of Oktibbeha County residents through comprehensive, community-based initiatives addressing food insecurity, housing instability, homelessness, and community advocacy.

Better Together
At Starkville Strong, we believe lasting change happens when a community unites around compassion, action, and accountability.
Every pantry stocked, every family housed, every neighbor supported is the result of collective effort. Our mission goes beyond meeting immediate needs. We are building pathways to stability, dignity, and hope.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
With your continued support, we can expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and ensure no one in Starkville is left behind.
Join us. Stand with us. Be Starkville Strong.