A Network Rooted in Accountability

Our work is grounded in deep partnership—with co-stewards, institutions, and allies who walk alongside us and help hold us accountable to our shared vision. Our co-stewards serve as anchors across key areas of our work: coordinating with fellows, the steering committee, NCAT, and funders; supporting evaluation design and participatory research; engaging collaborative partners; and building external relationships that move the work forward. Their leadership ensures that our efforts stay connected to both the broader field and the people at the center of this work.

Each co-steward brings a distinct strength: one focuses on anchoring our relationships with fellows and shaping project design; another leads coordination and accountability across steering efforts and institutional partnerships; while another provides strategic guidance and drives resource generation.

Noel Didla

Co-Steward, Center for Mississippi Food Systems
Liz Broussard Red

Co-Steward, Center for Mississippi Food Systems
Alex Lawson

Co-Steward, Center for Mississippi Food Systems
Asha Tillman

Co-Steward, Center for Mississippi Food Systems

Our Network of Partners

Our work is rooted in collaboration with a wide network of partners—grassroots organizations, tribal nations, academic institutions, media makers, and financial allies—who bring essential knowledge, relationships, and accountability to the table. From policy development and research to storytelling and infrastructure planning, these partners help turn our vision into reality.

Together, they form the backbone of a statewide ecosystem committed to justice. Their contributions make it possible to move with integrity, build across regions, and ensure that our work stays rooted in the communities most impacted by Mississippi’s food system inequities.

Mississippi Food Systems Fellows

Tomika Bell

Choctaw, Mississippi
Cathy Timm

Choctaw, Mississippi
Shakur Jennings

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Ebony James

Central Mississippi
Artis Burney

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Corrina Burney

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Dyranda Jimmie

Choctaw, Mississippi
Alexis Woods

Mississippi Delta
Tyra Slaughter

Mississippi Delta
Lucannie Commings

Mississippi Delta
Alexcia Givens

Mississippi Delta
Lauren Lewis

Central Mississippi
Robbie Pollard

Mississippi Delta
Amaria Christian

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Umi Jenkins

Mississippi Gulf Coast
LeBroderick Woods

Central Mississippi
Otis Wright

Central Mississippi
Sarah Medlock

Choctaw, Mississippi
Derrick Johnson

Central Mississippi
Anna Denson

Choctaw, Mississippi
Tyler Yarbrough

Mississippi Delta

Mississippi Food Justice Collaborative

The Mississippi Food Justice Collaborative began as a partnership with NCAT to deepen community-led responses to food system inequities across the state. What started as a grant-supported initiative has grown into a foundation for long-term collaboration, grounding our work in shared values, regional knowledge, and a commitment to justice. This collaborative laid the groundwork for CMFS, connecting organizers, researchers, farmers, and advocates to co-create strategies rooted in repair, resilience, and self-determination.