LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Feeding Kentucky kicked off Hunger Action Month on Wednesday.
More than 837,000 Kentuckians are not sure where their next meal will come from, and the nonprofit is hoping to change that.
A kickoff event took place Wednesday at Dare to Care food bank on Fern Valley Road. The goal is to bring together food banks and community leaders at a time when the need for food assistance across the commonwealth continues to grow.
New Feeding America data shows nearly 1 in 5 Kentuckians are experiencing food insecurity as the state's food insecurity rate increased from 16.6% to 18.2% in 2023, an increase of 80,000 people in one year. Data also shows 1 in 4 Kentucky children lack the nutrition they need, and 1 in 8 Kentucky seniors, age 60 and older, and 1 in 6 older adults, age 50-59, do not have consistent nutrition access.
"We are now seeing 837,000 Kentuckians who do not know where their next meal is gonna come from," Feeding Kentucky Executive Director Melissa McDonald said. "If you do the quick math, that's about 18% of people in our state. That is a very large number of people. Many of those being children, many of those being our vulnerable populations of seniors as well."
Leaders will encourage people across the state to take action throughout September by volunteering, advocating, donating and supporting efforts to ensure no Kentucky family has to face hunger.
To learn more about Feeding Kentucky's mission or find out how you can help, click here.
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