August 28, 2024 – Feeding Kentucky today kicked off Hunger Action Month at Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) in Elizabethtown, KY. by urging Kentuckians to join the fight to eliminate hunger in the Commonwealth. As part of Feeding America’s nationwide campaign, Feeding Kentucky is dedicating September to raising awareness about hunger in Kentucky and across the country.
Each week of Hunger Action Month, Feeding Kentucky will focus on a different theme: Educate, Volunteer, Engage and Donate. Kentuckians can engage with Feeding Kentucky’s social media posts for an activity that week or follow Feeding America’s pages to find an activity for each day that will help eliminate hunger in their communities.
“This September, we’re calling on everyone in Kentucky to unite against hunger,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “While we work year-round to support those in need, Hunger Action Month gives us a special opportunity to spotlight this critical issue and mobilize communities to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in Kentucky needs to choose between food and other necessities.”
The event was attended by ant-hunger advocates, government representatives, food bank leaders, and farmers from across Kentucky. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Eric Friedlander, Kentucky Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, delivered video addresses at the kickoff event. Following the press conference, guests participated in a hands-on volunteer opportunity, packing BackPack Program bags for children across Kentucky’s Heartland.
FAKH is one of Feeding Kentucky’s seven member food banks serving neighbors in 42 counties in central, south-central, and western Kentucky through their network of local partnerships. FAKH partners with local farmers and retail manufacturers to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to the nearly 200,000 people across their service area that are food insecure.
Charles Dennis, Feeding Kentucky board member and executive director of FAKH, shared, “I invite every Kentuckian to find one way they can contribute to ending hunger this September. Getting involved with your local food bank or pantry by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness will make a tangible difference in the lives of real Kentuckians and help ensure that no one in our state goes hungry.”
“Hunger affects every community, urban or rural, Democrat or Republican. This isn’t a political issue; it’s a moral one,” said Jordan Ojile, Advocacy Coordinator for Feeding Kentucky. “We have the ability to end hunger in Kentucky, and it’s going to take all of us working together to make it happen. Our mission is to nourish our communities and future generations, and we will continue working with the General Assembly and local partners until we’re achieved this goal.”