Is Mississippi A Food DESERT?

Good Morning and hello from your farmer,

First, let me say thank you! Last week we added two items (smoked ham and leg quarter bundle) to our website. In one weeks time all of the smoked hams sold and about 180 packs of leg quarter sold. Amazing. We are blessed that you found these offers a benefit for your family.

So, what would you say? Is Mississippi a Food DESERT?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) define a food desert as an area that has either a poverty rate greater than or equal to 20% or a median family income not exceeding 80% of the median family income in urban areas, or 80% of the statewide median family income in nonurban areas.


In order to qualify as a food desert, an area must also meet certain other criteria. In urban areas, at least 500 people or 33% of the population must live more than 1 mile from the nearest large grocery store. In rural areas, at least 500 people or 33% of the population must live more than 10 miles from the nearest large grocery store.

May 2018 For the eighth straight year, Mississippi has been identified as the most food insecure state in the country, according to a report released this week by Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks

September 2017 The Clarion Ledger article stated "In 2015, Mississippi was identified as the largest food desert in America by the Department of Agriculture."

In 2016 The Mississippi Food Policy Council reported that 90% of Mississippi's Food Supply is IMPORTED, $8.5 Billion is lost annually from the state's economy by the way Mississippians currently grow and eat food, and $774 Million of new farm revenue could be generated annually if each resident purchased just $5 of food each week directly from Mississippi Farmers.

Very humbling statements - Don't you agree?

I know that since 2016, some things have changed. Our farm, for example, is doing much more business as well as others selling meat directly. And supply chain interruptions the Spring of 2020 certainly increased the awareness of buying from local farms by many people.

I also know there have been more people to quit farming than those starting up a farm business based on my experience. The reasons vary but include regulations, unable to make the same money as a public job, and because they do not like dealing with the public.

Frankly, I have more questions than answers. If you look at Mississippi Ag Economic Value it does not track the volume of sales from farmers markets, direct market farms, etc. The report only tracks the 5 or 6 largest commercial farm commodities.

What started me on this topic - well, last week a new customer drove from Cleveland, MS (230 miles) to buy from our farm because they could not find what they needed locally. That is very sad!

I believe there is a lot of opportunity for farmers who market their products directly. I also believe there is little opportunity for commercial commodity farmers.

Certainly a lot to think about and work to do.

Are you a "regular" customer of our farm?

If not, and you are looking for premium ALL NATURAL GOODNESS of beef, pork, chicken, and eggs raised on pasture as God intended - without growth hormones, drugs, chemicals, and antibiotics - and raised humanely then you have come to the right farm. Our delivery schedule and product availability is listed below along with order buttons that will take you to our website where you can browse over 90 product choices and place your order from the convenience of your home. It's that simple!