Projects and Programs
Second Servings is Starkville Strong’s community-driven food rescue initiative that fights hunger and reduces waste across Oktibbeha County. By collecting surplus food from local restaurants, Mississippi State University dining services, Greek organizations, and community events, we repurpose nutritious meals for neighbors in need.
Since launching in 2024, Second Servings has saved over 80,000 pounds of food and distributed more than 41,000 meals, bridging the gap between abundance and need. Through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and a focus on dignity and nutrition, Second Servings turns excess food into hope and health for our community.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Hosted every fourth Sunday of the month, Neighbors Helping Neighbors transforms the corner of East Lampkin and South Jackson into a vibrant hub of compassion and connection. This outreach event provides free access to essentials like food, hygiene products, and household essentials, while fostering meaningful interactions between community members in need and those eager to help.
Through partnerships with local organizations, including Bridgeway Church, we not only meet immediate needs but also connect neighbors to long-term support programs like Path to Prosperity. Join us to volunteer, donate, or simply show up for your community — because when we help our neighbors, we build a stronger Starkville together.
Path to Stability (PTS)
Path to Stability is a structured case management program designed to help homeless and at-risk individuals move from crisis toward independence. Through one-on-one mentorship, goal setting, and life skills training—like budgeting, employment readiness, and access to resources—clients work through individualized plans to secure housing, establish income, and achieve long-term stability.
Path to Prosperity (PTP)
Path to Prosperity builds on the progress made in Path to Stability, focusing on maintaining and sustaining long-term success. It emphasizes continued mentorship, advanced goal planning, financial literacy, and community resource connections to help individuals not just stabilize, but thrive—breaking cycles of poverty and achieving greater independence.
Work Local Program
The Work Local Program connects individuals who are able to work with local employment opportunities and job readiness support. Through partnerships with community businesses and training centers, participants gain practical skills, verify employment efforts using punch cards, and earn incentives to help with housing and utility costs—promoting accountability, financial independence, and a clear path toward stability.
Starkville Strong at MSU
What It Is
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A student-led initiative connecting Mississippi State University (and EMCC) students with Starkville Strong’s community work.
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Focuses on volunteering, educational events, and leadership opportunities related to food insecurity, homelessness, and housing advocacy.
How It Fits In
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Operates under Starkville Strong’s Advocacy & Educational Outreach pillar.
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Students often help with events like:
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Homeless Experience + Housing Hustle (immersive awareness events)
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors (monthly outreach)
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Second Servings food rescues
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Feeds into the internship program (many interns are MSU students).
Why It Exists
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Bridges campus and community needs — students learn about local issues and directly serve neighbors.
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Builds a pipeline of future leaders for Starkville Strong’s programs and advocacy.
At Starkville Strong, our educational outreach programs are designed to foster empathy, raise awareness, and inspire action around the challenges of poverty and housing insecurity.
Through immersive experiences like Making Tough Choices, participants step into the shoes of families navigating difficult financial decisions, gaining insight into the harsh realities of limited resources. Our Housing Hustle Board Game creatively educates players about the complexities of finding affordable, safe housing in a competitive market.
Meanwhile, The Homeless Experience offers a powerful, hands-on perspective on the daily struggles faced by our unhoused neighbors. Together, these programs spark meaningful conversations, break down stereotypes, and equip our community to advocate for sustainable solutions and lasting change.
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Starkville Strong Youth Coalition
The Starkville Strong Youth Coalition is a dynamic, youth-led branch of our mission to create a stronger, more compassionate community. This group empowers young people to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers by engaging them in hands-on service, community projects, and local advocacy efforts. From organizing food drives and supporting housing initiatives to raising awareness on social issues, our youth coalition members work side-by-side with Starkville Strong to tackle real challenges facing our neighbors. Together, they gain valuable leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and prove that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact.
Neighbor Exchange Program
The Neighbor Exchange Program is Starkville Strong’s innovative, community-based solution to housing instability. By partnering with compassionate local residents willing to open their homes, we provide temporary shelter for individuals and families in crisis. In return, Starkville Strong offers support to both hosts and guests—connecting them with resources, case management, and pathways to stable housing. This program not only provides a safe place to stay but also builds trust, strengthens community ties, and demonstrates that lasting change is possible when neighbors help neighbors.
Starkville Strong Internship Program
Our internship program welcomes individuals of all ages who want to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, community outreach, and advocacy. Interns work alongside our team to address food insecurity, housing instability, and other pressing community needs—developing skills in leadership, event planning, communication, and case management. With flexible scheduling, meaningful projects, and mentorship from experienced staff, Starkville Strong internships prepare changemakers of every generation while making a tangible impact in Starkville.
Email outreach@starkvillestrong.org for more information.
