The Mississippi Food Network has awarded Mississippi Valley State University the 2024 Spirit of Service Award to celebrate its commitment to community welfare. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to combat local food insecurity in alignment with its motto, “Live for Service.”
Cheryl Featherstone, director of community service learning at MVSU, noted that the university’s partnership with the Mississippi Food Network has been a longstanding initiative. Upon taking on her role, Featherstone saw the importance of this collaboration and worked diligently to expand its reach and effectiveness.
Getting Student Athletes Involved
“I inherited the partnership through my position, but I made some changes,” Featherstone explained. She introduced a strategy that involved collaboration with the athletic department, allowing MVSU sports teams to contribute to community service hours by assisting with food box distributions. This innovative approach not only streamlined the process but also fostered a spirit of teamwork among students.
“Every time the Mississippi Food Network came to campus, they knew we had a team ready and available to help with the boxes,” said Featherstone. “I believe they appreciated that. It made the work less strenuous for them.”
On Dec. 2, Featherstone received a phone call from the Mississippi Food Network informing her of the award, leaving her both surprised and honored. “I was excited when I learned about the award,” she shared. “In community service, you’re doing what you love—you’re not looking to be recognized. But when an award comes along, it makes you feel special and seen. It’s a sign that you’re doing something right.”
Due to the short notice of the awards banquet scheduled for Dec. 3, Featherstone enlisted the help of her Community Service Learning Leadership Team to represent the university. Myiesha Smith, a team leader and Miss Junior at MVSU, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the department and the university.
“I felt amazing accepting the award because it’s not only recognition for the department but also our school,” Smith expressed. “It shows that we, as current students, are truly living out our school’s motto.”
With the fall semester wrapping up, the Office of Community Service Learning has concluded its food distribution efforts for 2024, but Featherstone confirmed that the program will recommence on Jan. 30, 2025.
