On Feb. 18, Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) took part in the annual Hunger Free Kentucky Day virtually, joining food banks, community leaders, and advocates from throughout the Commonwealth in a show of solidarity. Despite the challenges posed by the recent flooding that have impacted thousands across the state, the event highlighted the ongoing mission of organizations and advocates from across Kentucky to ensure that neighbors have access to nutritious food.
This year’s event took on a deeper significance as the recent floods reminded us all of how suddenly disaster can strike, and how these disasters exacerbate the already prevalent issue of food insecurity. It’s a stark reminder that hunger can affect anyone, at any time, and that our collective advocacy is crucial in combatting it.
While the event’s in-person gathering in Frankfort was canceled due to these unforeseen circumstances, the mission of Hunger Free Kentucky Day remained steadfast: ensuring those who need food the most in communities across the Commonwealth can access it.
“We at Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland provide millions of meals to area families every year through our extensive network of agency partners,” said FAKH Executive Director Charles Dennis. “This work is not possible without consistent and robust support. This day is all about joining other advocates throughout our commonwealth to ensure leaders and community members understand the urgent need to support initiatives that combat food insecurity.”
As a regional partner food bank within the Feeding America network, FAKH works tirelessly to combat hunger by distributing approximately 20 million pounds of food annually across central, south central and western Kentucky. This critical work is made possible by the dedication of FAKH staff, volunteers and a network of 190 agency partners operating 260 programs throughout the region.
To effectively carry out this mission, advocacy among staff members, volunteers and supporters is essential. FAKH’s legislative priorities focus on safeguarding and expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, strengthening child nutrition programs through Child Nutrition Reauthorization and protecting and enhancing key federal nutrition programs through the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as of 2022, SNAP provided critical food assistance to 225,000 children, 73,000 individuals over the age of 60, 61,000 people with disabilities under 60 and 42,000 adults aged 18-49 in Kentucky.
According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap study, 54,710 children within FAKH’s 42-county service area faced food insecurity. This statistic translates to approximately one in five children within the region. According to the study, a staggering 36 counties within FAKH’s service area report childhood food insecurity rates surpassing 20%.
In 2022, 176,270 people in FAKH’s service area were food insecure, an alarming increase of 35,250 individuals from the previous year. The overall food insecurity rate of the service area is 16%.
While government programs and corporate partnerships play a crucial role in the organization’s fight against food insecurity, individual giving remains a vital component of FAKH’s efforts. Donations from community members provide the flexibility needed to respond to urgent needs and expand programs that help provide food and resources to families struggling with hunger.
“Hunger is an issue that affects every corner of our state and every county in our service area,” said Jeremy Hinton, FAKH Board Chair. “When it comes to addressing this issue, every conversation, every advocate and every dollar or food item donated makes a difference.”
To join the movement to end hunger in Kentucky, donate now at feedingamericaky.org/donate.