BY KATINA RANKIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Entergy is giving “power” to local nonprofits.
When school lets out, millions of children from low-income households lose access to the school breakfasts, lunches and afterschool snacks and meals they receive during the regular school year. That’s why summer feeding programs are crucial for children. These programs ensure consistent access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school-based programs are unavailable.
“That’s exactly why our nonprofit stepped up this summer, said Katina’s Klassroom Nonprofit founder Katina Rankin.
“Summer feeding programs bridge the gap between school sessions, ensuring that children don't experience hunger when school meals are unavailable. We’re extremely blessed Entergy officials joined our local efforts helping to serve families in their Simpson County area,” Rankin continued.
Entergy’s Open Grants Program focuses on improving communities as a whole. The utility company looks for giving opportunities in the areas of arts and culture, education and workforce development, poverty solutions and social services, healthy families, and community improvement.
“Our selection of Operation Food Backpacks as a 2025 grant recipient underscores our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Simpson County, Mississippi. By supporting these types of organizational events, Entergy Mississippi helps foster educational opportunities and community development initiatives that make a lasting impact,” said Entergy’s Customer Service Manager Alicia Richardson.
Carla Kirkland with The Kirkland Group (TKG) agrees. TKG is a consulting company that specializes in providing training and instructional support for administrators, teachers, and students in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. TKG also joined the effort donating $250 toward the feeding program.
“Katina’s Klassroom is providing access to balanced meals, including essential nutrients like dairy, fruits, and vegetables, supporting children's physical and cognitive development including literacy. The latter is extremely important to TKG. We have the same vision,” said The Kirkland Group CEO Carla Kirkland.
According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) summer feeding programs are necessary to reduce food insecurity for students that rely on free and reduced-price school meals. And rural households are more likely to experience food insecurity than households in metropolitan areas.
Stigma sometimes surrounds children getting free summer food. That’s why Katina’s Klassroom worked with the Simpson County School District and Head Start earlier this year to identify those-in-need.
“It is important for elementary school students to have access to a summer feeding program because many children rely on school meals as a primary source of nutrition. During the summer months, food insecurity can increase for families, and a feeding program helps ensure that students continue to receive healthy meals. This support not only promotes physical well-being but also helps children return to school ready to learn,” said Simpson County School District Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Operations Dr. Furlinda Travis.
“As the adage goes, ‘Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation’”, said Rankin. “And neither will our efforts to try and give back.”
