The Vicksburg Young Professionals are continuing their commitment to community service — one of the group’s three core pillars —through their recent fundraising initiative, Cookie for a Cause.

The campaign raised $3,962.00 to help feed food-insecure children in the Vicksburg-Warren community.

According to data from Feeding America, 21% of children in the area are food insecure, with 32% of those children likely ineligible for federal nutrition programs. These numbers closely align with the 47% of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Warren Count y— working families who struggle to afford basic necessities.

Proceeds from Cookie for a Cause will directly support local after-school and summer programs in the Vicksburg-Warren County community, while partnering with the United Way of West Central Mississippi to identify students in need and ensure they have access to nutritious meals.

“This initiative is more than just raising money — it’s about making sure the kids in our community can focus on learning and growing without the burden of hunger,” said Stormy Dupre, Vicksburg Young Professionals community service chair.

Nia Hurst, co-community service chair, added, “I’m thrilled and proud of the support the community of Vicksburg has given to this cause. It shows how our collective efforts can make a large and lasting impact.”

The success of Cookie for a Cause was made possible through the generosity of local business owners Richard and Meredith Anderson, operators of Chick-fil-A Vicksburg, who partnered with the group to support the effort.

“We are proud to support efforts that directly address food insecurity and uplift our community,”

Richard Anderson said. “Each week, we donate surplus food to River City Rescue Mission, and we are eager to work with organizations like United Way of West Central Mississippi to identify additional programs that fight food insecurity, homelessness and support educational outcomes. Our mission at Chick-fil-A Vicksburg is to be a beacon of light to our community..”

Chick-fil-A’s corporate mission is “to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us” and “to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

That mission is reflected in the Andersons’ continued investment in Vicksburg through volunteerism, food donations, and collaborative efforts to improve quality of life for vulnerable residents.

The Vicksburg Young Professionals encourage others to get involved, stating that true leadership begins with service to others.

For more information on how to support future Young Professionals community service initiatives or join in on the efforts by joining the Young Professionals, contact Chris Rials at 601-636-1012 or Alyssa Lick at 601-218-5997.