Despite being the most obese state in the nation, Mississippi also has the country's highest hunger rate.
Wednesday the National Urban League, Tyson Foods, the Mississippi Food Network and Jackson State University worked together to fight hunger.
The organizations donated food to those in need and teaching them how to eat healthier on a budget.
Booths inside the Vicksburg Convention Center offered information on preparing nutritious food economically.
There are also health screenings.
"My blood pressure and everything was pretty good so they checked all that," said Larry Cain of Vicksburg.
The 41 year old attended to learn how to eat better and live longer.
"I like a lot of fried food, but they say it's not good for you...They were telling me about the good food and ingredients that we're supposed to eat and some foods we aren't supposed to eat," said Cain.
Tyson Foods donated over 124,000 pounds of protein to the Mississippi Food Network.
"About 52% of the population here is under the poverty level economically, so I think it's outstanding and a very worthwhile cause," said Leon Collier with Tyson Foods.
"We accumulate and distribute food. We have 415 member agencies across the state that we supply food to and then they feed people in their community," said Mary Blackledge with the Mississippi Food Network.
Exercise demonstrations offered ways to work off calories.
While cooking demonstrations taught you how favorites like spaghetti chicken and macaroni and cheese could be made with less fat.
Outside on the barbeque grill they put a healthy spin on favorites like chicken breasts and whole wheat tortillas.
Kids are getting a head start on living longer too.
"I'm here to learn about my health. I'm trying to cut out fried foods and lose weight," said 12 year old Angel Rhodes of Vicksburg.
"I'm just here to learn to keep my body healthy. If I'm overweight to lose a little bit of weight," said Vicksburg High School linebacker Mark Minor.
"This is a worldwide issue, but it's very local and a personal battle that we need to wage. To educate people about healthy food choices and try to make sure that no child goes to bed hungry," said Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield.
Jackson State University also donated 32,000 pounds of protein to the Mississippi Food Network.
Alcorn State University provided a variety of vegetables to guide attendees to vitamin rich foods they could find in the grocery store.
Hinds Community College performed the health screenings during the event.
Experts say an estimated 398,190 people or 22% of the population are food insecure.
The informational session and food giveaway hope to provide food to about 19,000 people living below poverty level in the state.
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