With smiles and good vibes filling the room, dozens of Ingalls shipbuilders volunteered Thursday, working together to pack more than 10,000 meals of red beans and rice. The effort was part of Extra Table’s Extra Full project, which is aimed at fighting food insecurity in Mississippi.

Volunteers assembled the kits, which contained everything needed to serve four people a hot meal of red beans and rice. These bags will be distributed to food pantries and soup kitchens across South Mississippi.

“The energy in the room was good; it was upbeat. Everyone was excited and willing to pitch in so it was a fun time,” said Jamil Davis, foreman, Welding. “I think it’s great that Ingalls supports the community and people in need. So many people are dealing with different circumstances, and it’s great to see Ingalls and our shipbuilders doing our part to help those who may be struggling.”

“I love that Ingalls has opportunities and projects like this so that we can directly help people who need it here on the coast,” said Latoya Boggan, welder. “I am excited to be a part of this and look forward to being able to help out in other ways.”

Food insecurity impacts more than 550,000 Mississippians, including many along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Extra Table works to ensure everyone in the Magnolia State has access to nutritious meals, providing food to food banks across the state.

It’s just one of the many ways Ingalls works to care for the communities where shipbuilders live.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure people have full bellies, that our kids can learn and our people can work, that our families are comfortable and happy and feel safe,” said Lisa Bradley, manager, Corporate Stewardship & Community Relations. “Ingalls does that as an employer and as a community, and we’re so grateful to have so many shipbuilders who want to help.”

How You Can Help

Thursday’s volunteer opportunity also served as the kickoff for Extra Table’s March of the Mayors initiative, an effort Ingalls is proud to once again support as the regional sponsor for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Over the next three weeks, specific food items will be collected in each city, with Ingalls focused on collecting canned fruit, canned tuna and granola.

All volunteers, including Ingalls shipbuilders, are invited to help organize the donations at the end of the campaign and to celebrate the giving hearts of so many helping hands.

WHAT: March of the Mayors Food Packing Event
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., February 28, 2025
WHERE: Lyman Community Center, 13472 U.S. 49, Gulfport
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER: March of the Mayors | Food Box Packing Sign Up!-Extra Table
*This is a non-chargeable event. Manager-approved PTO or flex must be used.