Periodicals will be handed out at food distribution agencies, mobile food pantries
Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) has partnered with Hardin County Public Library (HCPL) to distribute unused magazines to Hardin County residents served by FAKH. Magazines were left unused because of COVID-19 restrictions at the library.
“We want to do our part to help nourish the minds of our neighbors in Hardin County,” said Rene Hutcheson, HCPL Director. “We understand times are challenging for everyone and the number of families in need is increasing, especially now. We hope these magazines can bring a lift to someone’s day.”
Because of the pandemic, patrons were not able to use the library’s leisurely reading section so hundreds of brand new magazines were left unused. In all, 896 new magazines will be handed out, in bundles of three or four, to those picking up food at some Hardin County FAKH partner agencies and mobile food pantries.
“In times like these, where more and more people are needing the services of FAKH, we’re thrilled to partner with HCPL to provide a little more brightness to our clients’ day,” said Jamie Sizemore, FAKH Executive Director. “We’re grateful to HCPL for thinking of us and working together to put these magazines in the hands of people who will enjoy them.”
FAKH, which serves 42 counties in Kentucky, has seen a 20 percent increase in the need for services since the pandemic started. From March through November, they have distributed 13,721,842 pounds of food, which has provided 11,434,866 meals, Sizemore said.
A variety of magazines are represented, Hutcheson said, and include Consumer Report, Family Handyman, National Geographic, People, as well as children’s magazines. Library staff members worked to gather, bundle and box magazines – 14 boxes in total holding 45-80 magazines each.
“Libraries have always been about sharing resources, she said. “Our staff really enjoyed working on this project and we couldn’t think of an easier, better partnership than with FAKH.”
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