Hey ya'll!

My name is Ezra, and gee, I sure am tired of the government harming our most vulnerable!

On November 1st, 2025, in just 4 days, 42 million Americans are not going to be able to access their SNAP benefits. In Mississippi, that number drops down to approximately 350,000 - 385,000, or roughly 12% of the state's population. That doesn't sit well with me. SO we are going to try and do something about it!

Coincidentally, this is also my birthday! As much as I would LOVE to go out and party for my 31st, it would mean the world to me if, instead, you could help me feed some families in need. With that in mind, FEED 31 was born. Thirty-one families is my minimum, but ideally, I would love to pack more kits and help fill some local pantries as well.

So what's the plan? I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED!

One of my favorite shops on the coast, Spice and Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs is hosting a meal packing party on November 11th. I have already begun to put supplies to the side to help with their efforts. On their menu they have requested items for a chicken taco soup recipe and birthday cakes. For now, I am focusing on the soup ingredients. I got supplies for one pack, and I was able to source the prices for each of the items in order to present a budget to you all.

FROM MY LOCAL ALDI:

1 can of chicken --> $2.49

1 can of black beans --> $0.79

1 can of corn --> $0.50 to $0.76

1 can of diced tomatoes --> $0.91

1 can of Rotel --> $0.95

1 container of veggie or chicken broth --> $0.99 to $1.85

Taking the higher number of these ingredients and then adding Mississippi state tax, that's roughly: $8.13 per meal!

For thirty-one soup kits that's $252.03. I will try my best to keep my eyes open for deals at other grocery stores and see how far we can stretch that dollar! I also plan to make a donation haul on the 1st but I will keep the fundraiser up until the 11th for the meal packing party! Every cent counts towards this cause and I am grateful to you all for supporting it.

If you are unable to give a monetary donation, I completely understand! The alternative I ask for is to look through your home for anything that could help your community. I know I have friends all over the states and if your neighbor needs help then please focus on them. My hope is for this to reach as many people as possible until we have hit the goal. Any remaining funds will be donated to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, and extra canned goods will be dispersed to other local food pantries.

Now...LET'S FEED SOME PEOPLE!