Jackson Free Press

Mississippi Food Network's Director of Development Marilyn Blackledge has had to work hard to raise additional funds this year after the organization's member agencies reported a 30 percent increase in demand for food across the state. Blackledge raises money to keep more than 100,000 people in central Mississippi from going hungry every month.

Recently, the organization received a $3,500 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation. The grant will enable the MFN to hire a fourth driver to distribute the food in response to an increasing food demand that Blackledge says is bigger than "ever before in our 25-year history."

With 320 member agencies that are either churches or non-profit organizations operating food donation services, Mississippi Food Network's goal is to distribute 24 million pounds of food to its agencies this year. Through food drives and donations, the organization provides a variety of food products, such as frozen meats, cereals and fresh produce.

"It makes you feel really good to know you can do something for other people," Blackledge says.

Tough economic times have brought in more people who have lost their jobs and don't have enough money by the end of the month to still feed their families. They rely on the food bank. Blackledge empathizes with their desire to feed their families, saying that is something "we all want to do."

Blackledge, 56, a native of Clinton, has a bachelor's degree in office management from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has made the transition from the corporate to nonprofit world after working as an executive assistant and marketing coordinator at Redd Pest Control in Jackson. When Blackledge began working at her first non-profit agency, Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi, she says she went from being the giver to the one asking for donations. The transition has showed her that there is "so much need ... not only for the organization you work for." Blackledge has been with Mississippi Food Network since 2006.

She says the target population of Mississippi Food Network is the 400,000 people living below the poverty level in the state. The organization serves the entire state and delivers to communities far from their main office in Jackson.

On a day-to-day basis, Blackledge looks for ways to raise money through individual and business donations.

Blackledge is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Rotary Club of Jackson. She lives in Clinton with her husband Jeff and has one daughter, Beth, 35, two dogs, two "granddogs." She will be a grandmother in August.

To be referred to a nearby member agency call 601-973-7086. To donate food, money or time as a volunteer to the Food Network call 601-353-7286 or visit their website.