Louisville food pantries still seeing record high demand ahead of the holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville food pantries are still seeing a huge demand for meals, despite November SNAP benefits hitting families' EBT cards.

"The crisis is over, but the problem persists," Jeanie Jean Davidson, Executive Director of Neighborhood House said. "There is still a chronic need for more support for families."

By the end of the month, Doris Shobe and her grandson run low on money and food. Recently, she's gone to Sister Visitor Center for everything from pasta noodles to corn.

"Sometimes we get chicken and potatoes 'cause he's a growing boy," Shobe said. "Especially this time of year, you want to have something on the table."

Sister Visitor Center feeds 65-80 people each weekday. Though the government shutdown is over, the pantry's manager, Laura Williams, said the need hasn't let up.

"There has been an increase, but we have been able to meet everyone's needs," Williams said. "It saddens me that there's such a need in our community for food."

Community donations are keeping shelves stocked. Several Louisville pantries said donations are pouring in at record levels.

"The community's response has been inspiring," Davidson said. "The community stepped up for the worst of it, but we actually have to support families ongoing, and that's the challenge."

But the need is also at an all-time high.

In 2023, Neighborhood House served 400 people on average each month. Now, it expects at least 900 visitors this November.

"When this food is gone, the need will persist," Davidson said.

Davidson said the best way to help her patrons is by donating money to Neighborhood House.

"Financial donations allow us to be ready to respond to all different kinds of crises," Davidson said.

A few streets over, Sister Visitor Center has a different request ahead of the holidays.

"We're hoping that the community will brig us some turkeys so we can have them in the freezer for people," Williams said.

Many food pantry visitors, including Shobe, said they're grateful for all the people donating this holiday season.

"Thank you all," Shobe said. "You are a blessing for people like me."

If you're in need of food, click here for a list of pantries in the area.

More Local News:

Man indicted on 2 murder charges in west Louisville triple shooting