Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) and Lincoln Trail District Health Department (LTDHD) partnered for a toothbrush drive aimed at improving the dental hygiene of children participating in the BackPack Program. “An assessment of the state’s dental health found that half of Kentucky’s children had decay in their primary teeth, more than twice the national average”, said representatives from the Lincoln Trail District Health Department.
During the month of October the drive collected 8,358 toothbrushes and over 2,000 tubes of toothpaste. “I’m truly grateful for the community’s overwhelming response to our toothbrush drive. The need for dental attention is real for these children and my hope is that I never hear another student on the Feeding America BackPack program tell me, ‘I have never had my own toothbrush’,” said Milissa French, Director of Agencies and Programs at FAKH.
Thank you to the following groups for their donations: Cardinal Health, Hardin Memorial Hospital, Cool Smiles, Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, NECCO, WQXE, Elizabethtown High School FCA Club, East Hardin Middle School, St. James School, Dr. Sheroan, Dr. DuPlessis, Lincoln Trail Area Development District, Hardin County American Legion Auxillary Unit 113, M.O.D. Squad, Kentucky Career Center, and many other community members. With these donations, each child participating in the BackPack program will now be provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
About Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland
Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland is a regional food bank that provides assistance to more than 174,500 people in 42 Kentucky counties each year. Through support from individuals and organizations, such as United Way, FAKH distributes over 14 million pounds of food to approximately 200 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. FAKH also sponsors various hunger relief programs including the BackPack™ Program and Senior Box (CSFP) Program. FAKH’s main office and warehouses are located on Peterson Drive in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. For more information or to volunteer, sponsor a fundraiser or a food drive, or to make a secure online donation to Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, visit their website at: www.feedingamericaky.org
About Lincoln Trail District Health Department
Lincoln Trail District Health Department is a leading Health Strategist for a six county area. Our mission is to provide assurance of the public’s health and safety through assessment, intervention, education, and preparedness. This is accomplished through the strengthening of communities by utilizing proven practices that foster better health for everyone. This partnership with Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland is another example of how we are working to positively impact health in our community. For more information visit https://lincolntrailhealthdepartment.com/
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