Thanksgiving Chicken Drive
In an effort to bring more food to Mississippi tables this Thanksgiving, let's “Give ‘Em A Bird, and the Dressing, too!” This fundraising/food-raising program began with a Turkey Pardon at The Governor’s Mansion and will end with whole chickens on the tables of our hungry neighbors for the holiday.
With the help of our amazing donors, we will work tirelessly to raise the funds needed to distribute 9,000 whole chickens, as well as other traditional Thanksgiving dishes. This food is in addition to our normal monthly distribution to our food pantry partners.
Why chickens? Good question!
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Extra table can purchase three whole chickens for the cost of one turkey during the holiday season. Our pantry partners love it!
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Many Mississippi families have more experience cooking chickens than they do turkeys.
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Similarly, many Mississippi families don’t have the roasting pans and other kitchen equipment to prepare the bigger bird.
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Food pantries can store more chickens at safe temperatures due to their smaller size.
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We are buying our birds from a Mississippi company, which is great for our Mississippi economy!
Our fundraising efforts are multi-faceted! We are asking families, churches, school groups, and our partners in the business community to donate $15 or more. For that amount, we can purchase three whole chickens.
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On November 12-13 - the Extra Table team will hit the road for our "Henny 500." This two-day road trip will haul chickens from Gulfport to Hattiesburg to Jackson to Greenville and Tupelo! All of our food pantry partners will receive whole chickens and - you guessed it - the dressing, too, thanks to a donation from our friends at Louisiana Fish Fry!
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Your donations make this whirlwind chicken run a reality!
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Robert St. John's Roasted Chicken Tutorial Video!