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Mississippi governor pardons turkey to help fundraising initiative

By Marie Mennefield Oct 29, 2024 | 12:18 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves spared one fortunate turkey from the Thanksgiving table by extending an official pardon on Tuesday.

The turkey, named Roasty Toasty, was officially relieved of his Thanksgiving duties. He was selected from homesteader Stacey Hendry, of Collins, based on his temperament and appearance.

The third annual Turkey Pardon, which took place at the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, is part of Extra Table’s Thanksgiving food and fundraising initiative.

The nonprofit foodbank encourages supporters to donate $15 to purchase chickens, which will be distributed to Extra Table’s food pantry partners across the state in mid-November.

  • The turkey, named Roasty Toasty, was officially relieved of his Thanksgiving duties. (WJTV)
  • The turkey, named Roasty Toasty, was officially relieved of his Thanksgiving duties. (WJTV)
  • The turkey, named Roasty Toasty, was officially relieved of his Thanksgiving duties. (WJTV)

“They work hard every single day to support our neighbors right here in communities across our state. In fact, just last year, Extra Table provided 9,000 Mississippi grown chickens to families in our state for this season. The goal is to do exactly the same this year by providing another 9,000 Mississippi chickens, as well as boxes of cornbread dressing,” said Reeves.

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