November, 2024 – As Thanksgiving approaches, Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) is once again seeing demand for food resources at levels comparable to those during the COVID-19 pandemic. While holiday seasons often bring attention to hunger and food insecurity, the need for food support across the Commonwealth is a reality that extends far beyond the holidays.
With grocery prices rising, the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal has become an even greater hurdle for many Kentucky families. In fact, in 2023, the average U.S. family spent over $60 on their Thanksgiving meal alone. Recognizing these challenges, grocery chains are rolling out special deals to ease the cost burden. Walmart’s “inflation-free” turkey and sides meal costs around $7 per person, while Target is offering a $20 Thanksgiving meal for four. Aldi too is promoting an “inflation-busting” holiday meal for 10, priced at $4.70 per person. Though these efforts are welcomed, they highlight a deeper issue; for many, even basic grocery expenses have become unsustainable. The average Kentucky household has spent nearly $4,000 more on food over the past three years due to inflation.
“Many Kentuckians are struggling to make ends meet, not just this holiday season, but every month,” said Charles Dennis, Executive Director of Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland. “Even with holiday discounts, a holiday meal can be out of reach for families already stretched thin by rising prices.”
The increased demand is evident throughout Kentucky’s Heartland. In Nelson County, a TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) distribution scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving expects to serve hundreds of Kentuckians, many of whom will wait for hours to provide their families with a meal on the table. FAKH has seen a sharp rise in the number of individuals seeking assistance, including seniors and working families impacted by inflation. Trying to bridge the gap, FAKH and it’s agency partners are distributing over 3,000 holiday meal boxes this month.
“Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and community, and we want everyone to have a place at the table,” Dennis added. “With the ongoing support of our community, we can make that a reality – not only during the holidays but throughout the year.”