The Mississippi Poison Control Center is experiencing a concerning increase in calls regarding children who have found and eaten marijuana-laced candies and chocolates at home, making them sick enough for a trip to the emergency room. And with the establishment of marijuana dispensaries expected around the state this year, the calls “are only going to continue rising,” said Jenna Davis, managing director of the Poison Control Center housed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The American Academy of Pediatrics this month reported data that shows a 1,375 percent increase in children’s consumption of “edibles,” or food products infused with marijuana, between 2017-2021. Although UMMC’s numbers are not as high in comparison, they have significantly jumped over the past few years, Davis said. In 2019, the center received just two calls concerning ingestion of edibles. But in 2022, the number of total calls shot to 36, Davis said. Fourteen of those were in children ages 0-12, three for teens ages 13-19, 11 for ages 20-39 and six for 40 and older. “In the past 10 days, we’ve already had four calls for kids ages 0-6,” Davis said. “And statewide, these cases are underreported.” “There has been a consistent increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposures over the past five years, with the potential for significant toxicity,” the Academy said in its publication Pediatrics. In its study of cases between 2017-21, most ingestion of edibles by children occurred in a residence, the Academy said. Seventy percent caused central nervous system depression, and more than 22 percent required a hospital stay, including intensive care, the report said. Adult products laced with THC such as candy, gummies and chocolates appeal to children, Davis said. “We’ve seen ‘dope rope’ gummies, with lots of calls on those. They look like a Nerds (candy) rope.” Equally alarming is the growing number of children who get their hands on products easily available online and in convenience stores containing Delta 8 THC, a naturally occurring chemical compound found in small traces of hemp and marijuana plants. “It’s not regulated. It has very similar effects to the other components of marijuana that produce euphoria,” Davis said. “We receive tons of calls on this, and it’s increasing, for all ages.” In its 2022 Drug Threat Assessment, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics notes that “products like edibles, oils, wax, and hashish are still being seen and seized across the state. These products are especially desirable among teens and younger adults.” The state’s new and evolving marijuana laws, the report says, “make marijuana a new kind of threat.” A number of physical reactions to THC-laced edibles can make children very sick, Davis said. “It’s hard to overdose on marijuana, but some of these gummies contain very large doses and some kids are eating a whole lot of them,” Davis said. In addition to central nervous system depression, it can cause rapid heartbeat, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking and drowsiness, and in extreme situations, respiratory distress and seizures, she said. When center employees receive calls about ingestion of edibles by children, she said, “we recommend they go to a hospital for observation, depending on their situation and whether they’re experiencing the more serious symptoms. In rare cases, if they’ve had a huge dose or if they have underlying medical conditions, they are at serious risk for other complications and should call 911.” What’s also important to remember, Davis said, is a child can eat edibles and not immediately show any distress or effects. “Unlike when you smoke marijuana, when you eat a product that contains THC, it’s a couple of hours before it takes effect. It may be a few hours before the parent notices that their child has ingested edibles.” Most adults who call the center about a child who has eaten edibles “are worried because they left it out, and they didn’t intend for their child to get into it,” Davis said. “Some callers are reluctant to give us information for fear of getting in trouble. “Their information is confidential. We are here to help them and guide them. Most of them are very forthcoming, and we can get all the information we need to make a proper recommendation.” Her suggestions to adults who have edibles, whether it’s in their car, home, purse or wherever: “Treat them like a medication. Store them in a secure place, out of sight and out of reach of children. “Most products have some type warning label, but sometimes it’s very small. Even an older child might not pay attention to it.” Going forward, the center is focusing on prevention, Davis said. “We know it’s going to be around,” she said. “The bigger thing is the kids getting into it.” The Mississippi Poison Control Center focuses on prevention, education and treatment. It’s a free, confidential, statewide service available 24/7 to assist with questions and exposures regarding potential poisons, chemicals, medication and more. A trained professional can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

The holiday fun and games were over, and we were ready to fly home. But a middle of the night message informed us our flight was cancelled and we had to rebook. And we suddenly became birds without wings. I now have a pretty good idea how a Christmas turkey feels, in those left-over days after Christmas. The juicy meat is already picked off, and all that is left is a carcass of dried-up bones. Except I felt more useless than turkey bones, which a cook will simmer into broth. Oh, yeah, I did simmer…being stranded when I just want to be back in my house tends to bring out the fed up and frustrated side of me. But after four more days we finally boarded a plane and made it home. Then came the process of applying for repayment for our expenses. More dried carcass picking…more simmering. More fun and games - and yes, I am being sarcastic. But the airline-which-will-remain-nameless has taken full responsibility, apologized, and promised full restitution for our incurred expenses. Total mea culpa. Next comes the time of choosing, for every one of us ground-bound turkeys the next time we need to fly. Do we trust that airline, or do we use another? Do we believe they have done exactly as they said, that they have upgraded their entire computer network? Or do we base our choice on what has already happened to us, and run to another airline as fast as our drumsticks will carry us? As I thought about it, the counselor side of me just couldn’t help but compare this situation to personal relationships. Allow me to explain my thought process. We entered into a contract with that airline. “We pay you, and you promise to deliver us to our destination on a certain date and time.” But they broke their side of the bargain. And now they have taken full responsibility, and want to regain our business. Eerily similar to a hurting personal relationship. “I promised love and friendship to you, and you promised to do the same. But you broke your promise. You then realized your mistake, took full responsibility and want to regain the relationship with me.” And now you have a choice to make. What do you do? Forgive and try again with that person, or limp away with your wounds and attempt another relationship? Tough stuff. Either option you choose will probably leave you feeling a little vulnerable…and simmering. I’ve already made my choice of which wings I will use on my next flight. But that’s just me, I have no idea what you should do. You have to decide for you, and then stick with that commitment. Unless you pick wings that leave you in the lurch the next time – then you have a pretty good reason to rethink your options. And you are free to interpret that last sentence for your flying - and your relationships.

By Kara Kimbrough If only I had a nickel for every question asking, “Do you have any easy, quick-to-fix recipes?” To answer all requests at once, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite “easy, quick-to-fix” recipes. For my friend who claims her husband will begin drawing up divorce papers if she cooks spaghetti one more time, I’ve included a pasta dish that will keep attorneys at bay. · There may be some who don’t love Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, but I haven’t met them. To make three-ingredient pork chops, combine a 1-ounce package of the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle both sides of 1-inch pork chops with the seasoning, arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. With a green salad topped with, what else, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and your favorite side dish, dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. · Chicken strips with dipping sauce are a favorite of all ages – let’s just say, Raising Cane’s gains a fair portion of my takeout/drive-through business. Nothing's better on splurge day that Cane's crispy chicken, crunchy fries and seasoned bread. And tangy Cane's sauce puts all others to shame. However, when it’s time for a healthier meal, there is a way to accomplish it. In a bowl, crush together a ½ cup of seasoned bread crumbs with a cup of Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, beat one egg. Dip boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into strips in the egg, then the bread crumbs. Cook chicken in olive oil in a nonstick skillet until golden brown; around 6-7 minutes. Let cool and cut into strips. · It's not Cane's sauce, but an easy, healthier-than-store-bought dipping sauce can be made by mixing together 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise, three tablespoons Dijon mustard, tablespoon of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Chill before serving. · Cheese grits are so delicious and are the perfect side dish for any meal, not just breakfast. Many think they're complicated to make, but they're really not. To make the easiest cheese grits, combine 1-1/4 cups milk and a cup water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, add a ½ cup of hominy grits and simmer for 12 minutes. Stir in two tablespoons butter, cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of paprika. · Olive Garden’s pasta fagioli soup is often imitated courtesy of “copycat” recipes in cookbooks and on the internet. Here’s a shorter version of the popular soup. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown a half-pound of Italian sausage. Once it’s thoroughly cooked, remove from pan and set aside. To the same pan, add a chopped onion and a clove of chopped garlic and brown until wilted. Add 2 cups of water, can of drained and washed Great Northern beans, can of drained chopped tomatoes, can of chicken stock, ¾ cup of elbow macaroni and a little ground black pepper. Bring to a bowl and cook uncovered until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Add in cooked sausage and a cup of trimmed fresh spinach (optional). Cook a few minutes until spinach has wilted down. Pour into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Last, as promised, here’s a pasta dish that’ll ensure not continued matrimonial bliss for my friend and add a delicious option to the never-ending, “What in the world am I going to fix for dinner?” quandary. Less-Than-30-Minutes Fettuccini Chicken Alfredo Extra virgin olive oil 3 large chicken breasts 1 pound of favorite pasta 2 tablespoons minced garlic (adjust according to taste) 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup Parmesan cheese (more to taste) Seasoning: salt, ground black pepper, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder - mix desired quantities to combine Pour olive oil into skillet and warm over medium-high heat. Season chicken with seasoning combo on both sides, then place in the pan, cooking 5-7 minutes on each side until done, then remove from skillet and set aside. While chicken is cooking, boil pasta until al dente, drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. In skillet over medium high heat, melt butter, then add garlic and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add remaining heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; cook until combined. Add cooked pasta to the mixture and stir to combine. (If mixture is too heavy, add a little of reserved pasta water. Slice chicken and add to the top before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkrpco@yahoo.com.

Calling all 3rd Grade Parents! The Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School will hold a parent meeting on January 19 at 5 PM to discuss the third grade reading gate state assessment testing. All 3rd grade parents are encouraged to attend.

CHA is excited to name Henry Gantz as Athletic Director and Sam Vincent as Head Varsity Football Coach. Read More: https://www.centralhinds.org/article/961723

By Bob Garver “A Man Called Otto” has not been a well-marketed film. The strategy of the film’s advertising seems to be, “You know how Tom Hanks usually plays likeable/heroic characters to go along with his reputation for being a nice guy in real life? Come to this movie to get the opposite of that! See his versatility as he complains in a phony-sounding growly voice for 90% of the movie, followed by a heartwarming turnaround so sweet that most of the audience will be making the universal sign for gagging. It’ll be unpleasant until it isn’t!” First of all, it’s not like Tom Hanks has never gone grouchy before. I can watch everything from “A League of Their Own” to the recent “News of the World” to frankly most of “Toy Story” to see Hanks be grumpy without the movie needing to use it as a selling point. Second, if the film needs to draw that much attention to its unpleasantness, I don’t want to see it. I didn’t want to see “A Man Called Otto,” and would not have gone to see it had it not earned enough money to warrant a review. Fortunately the film worked better in one large dose than it did in several smaller ones. Yes, Hanks’ Otto Anderson spends most of the first act complaining. He complains that rope at the hardware store is sold by the yard and not by the foot. He complains that his neighbors don’t obey simple parking and driving rules in his housing complex. He complains about a stray cat that won’t leave him alone. He complains about his job forcing him to retire. He complains about a real estate company trying to force everyone out of their homes. He complains that America is dying. He’s planning to beat it to the punch, hence the need for the five feet of rope… Otto’s plans keep getting interrupted, usually by neighbors who need him for something. He’s handy with tools and usually willing to do a favor if it means there will be order in the world. The film never delves deeply into his mental health, though he is definitely suffering from depression following the passing of his wife and probably has either OCD or something close to it. It does dwell on his physical health – namely a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I’ve heard the term before, and I had to grit my teeth every time it came up because I knew that its definition would eventually be treated as a punchline. I was right and it was just as painful as I imagined. The ads do get the bare bones of the story and tone right, but what they don’t show is that the movie is very good at showing “why” Otto acts this way. Sometimes his complaints are completely justified, like when he gets into a fight with an antagonistic clown (Otto keeps his temper in check longer than I would have). Sometimes they’re understandable because of things that have happened in Otto’s past. For these scenes, the film brings in Hanks’ son Truman to play a younger version of Otto. These flashbacks may interrupt the flow of the present-day story, but the movie wouldn’t work without them. “A Man Called Otto” ultimately works because the character is more fleshed-out than the advertising makes it seem. It shouldn’t be surprising, given that the role attracted an actor the caliber of Hanks, but things weren’t looking promising at first. As for the character’s grating voice and mannerisms, they’re initially jarring, but you’ll barely notice them after a while. Broad characters like Otto thrive better in two-hour movies where audiences can warm up to them than in spaced-out trailers and commercials where they can be jarring every time. Just like Otto himself, the performance and the movie require some patience, but they shouldn’t be written off. Grade: B- “A Man Called Otto” is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving suicide attempts, and language. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

I read this again the other day. “I will NEVER quit fighting to win against the enemy in my life. After all my bullets are gone from shooting my gun, then I’ll throw that blasted thing at ‘em. When that doesn’t work, then I’ll use my body to punch, kick and bite my way to freedom. And if I still haven’t won when all my teeth are knocked out in the fight, then I’ll try to gum him to death. BUT I WILL NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT!” You are breathing and that means you have a negative challenge in your life - guaranteed. Finances, illness, addiction, lies about you, heartbreak, physical pain, family controversy…something is hurting you. And after struggling long and hard, it can seem that you will never find an answer. So, you can eventually be tempted to give up. But folks, even as hard as it is, don’t you dare give up your fight. Here’s why. If you quit trying, you have absolutely zero chance of winning. The very second you stop struggling, you wear a stamp on your heart that says “Totally Defeated.” And total defeat leads to hopelessness. Hopelessness can lead to internalized anger, and hopelessness combined with that anger can push you into depression. A black hole that consumes your thoughts, feelings and actions. Kind of compares to existing in a dark windowless dungeon. Life turns a dull gray, with no spark of interest in your days. But if you decide to get stubborn and stay fighting, then you still stand a chance. A chance that disappears completely when you simply surrender. Even slim as that tiny chance may seem, it is the one thing that will keep your hope alive inside of you. And if you take an even better step - deciding to bare your pain to someone you can trust to be on your side - then you increase the chances of keeping your hope. A struggle shared can mean the burden feels just a little lighter – unless you chose your battle companion badly. Find someone who will listen carefully to you. Someone you can trust to not gossip about you. To be loyal. To care deeply about your pain. To be creative in trying to find solutions for you, when you are too exhausted by the fight to even try anymore. To even whisper a prayer every day on your behalf. To NEVER GIVE UP. Get that kind of person in your corner. Then you have a fighter beside you, a believer who won’t throw in the towel, a thinker who will keep pushing you to look for new answers, and a shoulder to cry on when a solution hasn’t surfaced yet. Rare is the person who is truly more effective as a lone Ninja Warrior. We humans are not built for waging war all alone – or for giving up.

By Kara Kimbrough Forgetting one of my “favorites” from the Top Restaurant Meals and Supermarket Products of 2022" list – the Burger-Burger at the Biloxi restaurant by the same name - triggered a train of thought that ultimately led to a list of some of the best sandwiches in Mississippi. In case it appears I’m being forgetful again – after all, isn’t something called “Burger-Burger” actually a, well, burger? The answer is…"not really" and here’s why. This delicious creation, a favorite of Coast residents, tourists and food critics from around the U.S., has been served in some form or another at various Coast locations since 1947, when the sandwich came over from New Orleans with Abbie and Mildred Brunies. First, it was a staple at a neighborhood diner on Benachi Avenue in downtown Biloxi. After an ownership change, the diner moved to Ocean Springs in the 90’s before relocating 20 years ago to its current spot in a humble wooden building on Howard Ave. After reading and writing about Burger-Burger for a few years but never actually sampling it, I finally found the time to stop in for a leisurely meal last summer. Sitting outside on porch underneath a ceiling fan, I quickly unwrapped the long sandwich wrapped in butcher paper. After examining it from all angles, in my opinion the Burger-Burger isn’t actually a po’boy or burger. Encased in a bun that appears to be a cross between a long, narrow hoagie roll, soft baguette and French bread are grilled burger patties, sautéed onions, mustard and a unique burger/chili sauce unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. To say it’s utterly delicious is an understatement. I’ve returned to Burger-Burger to see if my initial experience was a fluke and I assure you, it wasn’t. Each time, the flavorful burger/po’boy/sandwich was exactly as I’d remembered. Even a to-go order that spent a few hours in a cooler on ice and was reheated when I returned home retained every bit of the goodness of one fresh from the oven. Without further ado, here are a few other exemplary sandwiches that are worth a try. They’re ones I’ve personally experienced or have recently learned about from friends: Saltine’s Comeback Chicken Sandwich – If you haven’t visited this unique restaurant in the old Duling School building in Jackson, it’s time for a visit. One of the best things on the menu is this outstanding sandwich. It consists of a buttermilk and pickle-brined fried chicken breast topped with comeback slaw and pickles. Quite simply one of the best sandwiches you’ll find in the Capital City or anywhere for that matter. Sal and Phil’s Muffaletta – Muffalettas are one of my favorite sandwiches, so I’m picky about the taste and preparation anywhere I find one. One of the best can be found at Ridgeland’s Sal & Phil’s, known for above-average seafood and Cajun dishes of all varieties. Oby’s Roast Beef – This college town stalwart has consistently served good food to starving students and many others for decades. A staple on the menu (one I sampled years ago but still retains its deliciousness) is the roast beef. Thinly-sliced roast beef is topped with cheese and homemade gravy. It's a sandwich whose goodness keeps on giving. Ubon’s Pulled Pork – Yazoo City’s award-winning barbecue restaurant usually attracts diners looking for ribs and wings, but don’t overlook the sandwiches, especially the pulled pork topped with their signature sauce. The Tomato Place’s Fried Green Tomato BLT – Friends’ recommendation of this interesting eatery in Vicksburg caused me to put The Tomato Place on my list of places to visit in 2023. A favorite of the couple was the Fried Green Tomato BLT served on the restaurant’s homemade sourdough bread. Thinking about all these wonderful sandwiches caused me to head to the supermarket to find the ingredients for one to make at home. Here’s a recipe for one that’ll check all the boxes when searching for a healthy, delicious and quick meal. The Best Salmon Sandwich You'll Ever Make 2-3 wild-caught salmon pieces (I used the frozen variety), cooked according to package directions and flaked into small pieces) ½ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 tablespoons pickle relish 1 teaspoon Dijon relish 2 teaspoons lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Lettuce Purple onion slices Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine. Butter and lightly toast bread long enough to make it slightly crispy. Spoon salmon mixture onto bread along with lettuce leaf and purple onion slices (optional). Note: Makes 2 sandwiches; simply increase ingredients for additional sandwiches. Tuna can be substituted for salmon with similar results. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver 2023 is certainly off to an impressive start, movie-wise. Usually the new year allows holiday releases to continue dominating for a week or two before unleashing anything heavy-duty. To be clear, “Avatar: The Way of Water” did still dominate the weekend with $45 million domestic against the $30 million debut of “M3GAN,” but $30 million for a new film in the first weekend of the year is nearly unprecedented. That’s how the film is impressive commercially. It turns out the film is quite impressive creatively as well, another rarity for early January. The film stars Allison Williams as Gemma, a toy designer that suddenly gains custody of her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Despite her family-friendly job description, Gemma is in no way ready for the responsibilities of parenthood. If only there was a way to keep the child happy and occupied while helping the adult’s career in the process. As Gemma works primarily in robotics, that solution is the Model 3 Generative Android, or M3GAN (played by Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis). At first, M3GAN seems to be what’s best for everybody. She helps Gemma endear herself to her boss (Ronny Chieng) and she’s soon the star of the company as it realizes it has the greatest toy in history on its hands. As for Cady, she and M3GAN bond, and the two are quickly best friends. Of course, some question if it’s healthy for a child to attach themselves to a robot as much as Cady does, but this is the 21st century, how bad could it be for a child to develop a dependency on a piece of technology that was designed in a week by someone with questionable parenting skills? Yeah, things go off the rails. At first it’s just a simple matter of M3GAN misinterpreting her directive to “protect” Cady, but eventually her whole worldview goes sideways and she turns malevolent. And that means we get what we all came for: the psycho killer little girl robot with the strangely hypnotic dance moves. Honestly, full-blown evil M3GAN isn’t that interesting. After some calm, efficient violence, she becomes just another bland “stalker” villain with dialogue that really shouldn’t be in her programming. What elevates the movie is the dynamic between Gemma, Cady, and M3GAN. Gemma undoubtedly has love for her niece, but she makes some ill-advised decisions when it comes to complicated issues like discipline, patience, and grief. The film’s advertising has (understandably) focused on M3GAN turning evil, but it’s also worth mentioning that Cady deteriorates too, depending so much on the artificial friend that she forgets to make real ones. She turns into a raving lunatic before the robot does, and Gemma is forced to recognize that it’s by her design, literally and figuratively. This movie has a lot to say about society’s dependence on technology, giving it more in common with something like the original “Robocop” than movies that simply feature diminutive antagonists like Chucky or Annabelle. Some serious points aside, I don’t want to downplay that “M3GAN” is a whole lot of fun. The movie never fails to play up the absurdity of a robot that can run intellectual (and sometimes physical) circles around the world around it. Nobody in the theater was laughing harder than me when the robot would butt into a conversation with what she “thinks” is a helpful contribution, or when she would win at a mind game that the humans didn’t even realize they were playing. As an action or horror movie, “M3GAN” is okay, maybe a little watered-down because of the PG-13 rating, but as a comedy, I can tell it's going to be one of the funniest movies of the year, and we’re only one release in. Grade: B “M3GAN” is rated PG-13 for violent content and terror, some strong language and a suggestive reference. Its running time is 102 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Glee Club dates back over 100 years, and each new group of singers adds to the group's history and legacy. Much has changed since the Glee Club was first established, but it has always been a group devoted to the study and performance of advanced choral repertoire. From the beginning, the Glee Club has played a central role in the life of the College, giving voice to college spirit, and drawing musicians of the highest caliber to Occidental. Their reputation for excellence has carried the banners of Occidental far into the musical world through national and international tours and recordings and through the generations of choral conductors who have been affiliated with Occidental. Joined in 2008 by Director of Choral Music Desiree LaVertu, the Glee Club continues to attract national and international attention for its unified tone, intense musicianship, and varied repertoire. The tradition of Glee Club touring goes back over 75 years and has enabled generations of members to share their music all over the world. The Glee Club travels in January during the last week of Oxy’s Winter Break. Destinations alternate between local, regional, and international spots. Their 2023 tour takes them to Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, where they will perform at a variety of venues, including a collaborative concert with Copiah-Lincoln College Concert Choir and Mississippi Boychoir in Jackson, Mississippi, a lunchtime recital at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, a retirement community in New Orleans, an evening concert in Mobile, Alabama, a shared exchange with students from LSU and an evening concert at St. Alban’s Chapel in Baton Rouge. Mississippi Boychoir, Copiah-Lincoln Concert Choir, and the Ambassadors of Co-Lin will join the Glee Club in presenting several musical selections during the concert.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is accepting grant proposals from qualified nonprofits to implement projects through the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program. The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to increase the purchasing power of Mississippi residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farmers by providing matching dollar incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits redeemed at farmers markets and retailers. “The Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers. This program provides increased access to fresh, nutritious produce for residents that need it the most while expanding marketing opportunities for our local farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson. Qualified nonprofits are invited to submit grant proposals seeking funding to implement projects that provide incentives for Mississippi residents using SNAP benefits to double the purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating Mississippi farmers markets and retailers. Funding available this cycle is $360,000. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record or experience with coordinating a statewide network of SNAP incentive programs and leveraging resources to address food insecurity in underserved communities. The submission deadline is January 31, 2023. Visit MDAC’s website at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/1011.pdf to learn more about the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program.

Are the plants in your landscape looking brown and dead after the recent hard freezes? If so, you may be wondering what to do about them. The first thing to do is nothing! We are likely to have additional cold weather events before spring arrives. Leaving the dead foliage on plants can provide some protection against direct cold and sunburn. This freeze was unusual in that the temperatures dropped around 50° F in a 12-hour span. Some flowering shrubs in the southern part of the state were even blooming. Many plants have significant woody tissue damage. This woody tissue is where plants store food to be used for replacing the freeze burned leaves that will eventually fall from the plant. These fallen leaves can add some insulative protection to the roots if any further cold weather occurs. They will eventually decay and release their nutrients to the plant roots. Pruning now will likely damage the healthy tissue that the plants will need to heal. Secondary infections may also occur. Wait until it is clear what tissue has died and until further freezes are not expected. This may be a month or more in most parts of the state. The only exception would be if the frozen tissue gets a wet decay (breakdown) or has an odor. Then it is good to prune the area out, bag, and destroy the affected leaves. Use a sharp blade to lightly skin the bark to reveal the wood beneath. Start at a branch tip and observe the color under the skinned area. Damaged wood should be brown. Work your way down until the skinned area becomes green. This indicates healthy tissue. Prune off the tissue above the green area. For more information, please see MSU Extension publication ‘IS 1663 The Plant Doctor – Cold Injury’ at www.extension.msstate.edu/publications. For Palms refer to publication ‘P 2828 Cold Injury to Palms’. By Jeff Wilson, Modified from previous article by Alan Henn and Clarissa Balbalian.