The Mississippi State Food Security Network is working alongside the Student Association’s Block by Block meal program. Both are designed to help students in need of food. 
Meggan Franks, assistant director at the Maroon Volunteer Center, said the security network has been working with local food pantries for the last three years to connect with the Mississippi State community. Franks said after the SA started Block by Block last year, they asked if the two programs could work together. The programs work to gather meals while AmeriCorps provides the distribution.
 Catherine Smith, a junior history major, said she felt like the two programs together will provide more assistance to students. Smith said she thought it was great how the SA began the Block by Block program and it is now making an even bigger impact by partnering with the MSU Food Security Network.
 Franks said last semester around 740 meals were distributed while 700 have been given out so far this semester. She said the Food Security Network tries to get food immediately to students when they need it. 
Food is distributed to students that need it within a 24 hour period. Franks said the network and Block by Block gives cards to students to use at the cafeteria and other food providers on campus. 
“Students aren’t just hungry tomorrow,” Frank said. “They are hungry today.”
Frank said the Maroon Volunteer Center surveyed the students helped last  semester by these programs. She said students believed the programs were well managed and very helpful to get them food as soon as possible.
Frank also said the partnership of these two programs will increase student involvement in volunteering and donating. She said this will help create more awareness of hunger issues and educate students on what to donate. 
Alivia Roberts,  sophomore communication major, said the Block by Block program was a simple way for students to contribute back to others by just saying “yes.” Roberts said the programs are great and shows the MSU community members care for each other.
   “A humble and generous heart is a healthy heart,” Roberts said.
 If students are in need of assistance, or would like to donate or volunteer with the Mississippi State Food Security Network or local food pantries, contact the Maroon Volunteer Center at [email protected] or by phone at 662-325-0342. Franks said students are welcomed to contact her directly at [email protected] or 662-325-2208.