JANS – What is the perfect menu to commemorate a century of powering Mississippi? Red beans and rice. The meal is part of a year-long effort Entergy Mississippi has launched for its 100th anniversary to invest in poverty solutions and activate the power of employee volunteers to support Mississippi communities. The company is teaming with Extra Table to pack meals for families impacted by food scarcity and donating $100,000 to help eliminate hunger in the state.
Entergy volunteers packed 2,500 boxes of red beans, rice, and spices – one box for every Entergy Mississippi employee – at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. It’s the first event of a multi-phase 100,000-meal commitment by Entergy Mississippi. Along with the $100,000 gift, funded by shareholders, Entergy Mississippi’s support will help Extra Table stock 62 food pantries in the state with nutritious, shelf stable food.
In addition to packing meals, employees throughout Entergy’s four-state service area are donating items to support Entergy’s Mississippi Delta customers devastated by the March tornadoes. The donations will be distributed by Goodwill Industries.
“This significant moment in our company’s history must highlight our communities that particularly need us to be good neighbors right now,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “Many of our customers live below the poverty level and struggle to meet the basic needs of their families. On top of that, communities in the Delta have a long road to recovery after last month’s storms. The best way to step into our next century while honoring our community roots is by helping our fellow Mississippians.”
Giving back to communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy is integral to Entergy Mississippi’s purpose of powering life today and for future generations.
“We’re grateful that Entergy chose to partner with us to celebrate their incredible milestone,” said Martha Allen, Extra Table executive director. “It shows their dedication to solving hunger, and their heart for Mississippi families. With their helping hands and generosity, we will be able to provide half a million meals to families in need.”
Entergy Mississippi, which began as Mississippi Power & Light Company, was founded by Harvey Couch on April 12, 1923. The company began providing reliable, affordable power to Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Columbus. In 1926, the company sold its properties in northeast Mississippi, which moved Columbus outside of its service area. Now, Entergy Mississippi serves 461,000 customers in 45 of Mississippi’s 82 counties. Entergy Mississippi continues to keep rates lower than the national average, even with increases resulting from higher natural gas prices.
To read more about Entergy’s 100-year history in Mississippi, visit https://www.entergy-mississippi.com/100years/.
