The Mustard Seed story is one of small beginnings, faith, and commitment. In 1973 a small group of ladies lead by Mrs.  Norman Lear committed themselves to meeting the needs around them. They collected donations of used clothing and household items and sold them from a house on their church property. The money from the sale of these items went to purchase food, goods,  and services for the needy. Things like school supplies for children, food for hungry families, and furniture for families who had house fires were purchased. The beginnings were small, like a mustard seed, but have grown exponentially like a mustard tree.

Today the organization continues to grow under the leadership of the board of directors and Executive Director Patricia Ward. The Mustard Seed has continued its mission of helping those in need in the community. The Mustard Seed distributed ninety-nine thousand pounds of food last year and served over 7000 people.

The Mustard Seed continues to grow to serve more people including adding a Soup Kitchen in the fall of 2015.

The Mustard Seed receives support from: United Way of West Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Banks, Local Churches, Gibson County Ministerial Alliance, Milan Utility Round Up, RIFA.