Canton calls for pasta: Joining the “March Mayors” to feed our neighbors

In a state where community means everything, the city of Canton is stepping up to ensure no plate goes empty this spring. As part of the annual March of the Mayors initiative, Canton has been issued a specific mission: Spaghetti Noodles.

Starting now and running through February 27, residents are encouraged to donate 1-pound bags of spaghetti noodles at designated drop-off sites throughout the city.

From One Phone Call to a Statewide Movement
The story of this mission began in 2009 with a crisis. When a Hattiesburg food pantry ran completely out of supplies, restaurateur Robert St. John used his industry connections to ship a truckload of food directly to their door. That moment sparked a realization: hunger in Mississippi needed a sustainable, high-quality solution.

Thus, Extra Table was born. While the organization typically focuses on purchasing bulk, healthy proteins like tuna and peanut butter, the “March of the Mayors” event brings a touch of “Mardi Gras Magic” to the process. By assigning specific shelf-stable items to different cities, the program ensures that when all the donations are combined, they create complete, balanced food boxes for families in need.

How Canton Can Help:
Canton is focusing on a carbohydrate staple that provides the foundation for countless family meals. Cantonians’ contribution stays local—food collected in Canton “parades” back out to Canton’s own partner food pantries.

What to Donate:
Item: Spaghetti Noodles
Size: 1 Pound Bag
 

Where to Drop Off:
Canton City Hall
Canton Public Library
Canton Police Department
 

The Grand Finale: The Packing Party
The collection phase is only the beginning. During the week of March 2–6, Extra Table will host Mississippi’s Largest Food Box Packing Parties across five regions.

Local Canton volunteers will gather on March 4 from 9 a.m. until noon at Christ United Church at 6000 Old Canton Road to assemble the boxes. It is a high-energy, high-impact event where the “magic” of the march truly comes together.
 

Canton has always been a city that looks out for its own. This February, residents are asked to do their part to fill the bins with pasta and show the rest of the metro area the size of the city’s heart.
 

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit extratable.org/march.