Lindley Lecture

Bost Theater

Also available via WebEx
Meeting link: https://msstate.webex.com/msstate/j.php?MTID=m071f2abcebc6a8992658e2d47dd73dab
Meeting number: 2862 246 2822
Password: n4NXDQUmM87
(64693786 when dialing from a phone or video system)

featuring
Dr. Ryn Laster
Director, Food Safety and Animal Welfare
Cal-Maine Foods Inc.

presenting
Fighting Hunger Starts Here

Hunger remains a serious and ongoing challenge in Mississippi, affecting communities across the state and impacting children, families, seniors and working adults alike. Food insecurity is not confined to a single group; it reflects broader systemic gaps in access, affordability and food distribution. These gaps weaken health outcomes, limit educational success and undermine economic stability. Addressing hunger in Mississippi requires innovative thinking, cross-sector collaboration and systems-based solutions that move beyond short-term relief to create lasting impact.

Grounded in the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug—the father of the Green Revolution and founder of the World Food Prize—this presentation highlights the essential roles of science, policy, and leadership in strengthening food systems. Mississippi-based initiatives such as Extra Table and the Mississippi Food Network demonstrate how strategic partnerships can efficiently provide nutritious food at scale while maintaining dignity and long-term sustainability. Central to this effort is engaging and empowering the next generation across disciplines—including agriculture, health, business, technology, communication, and public service—to lead the work of building a more food-secure future.