Lexington ministry continues feeding hundreds weekly as food uncertainty lingers after shutdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As the federal government shutdown comes to an end, many Kentucky families are still unsure about the future of their food benefits. But every Tuesday — rain, snow, or shine — one local group continues to show up, offering a reliable lifeline when it’s needed most.

For 18 years, the Open Door Feeding Ministry has been serving hot meals to people facing homelessness and food insecurity in Lexington. It’s a mission rooted in faith and fueled by perseverance.

Charlette Thompson with The Healing Well says Tuesdays became their day of service after learning it was the one day of the week when no other group served meals.

“We’re always there because God said there are always hungry,” Thompson said. “The weather has nothing to do with their bellies.”

Thompson says the idea started with what she describes as a moment of divine inspiration after seeing people struggling in the heat years ago.

“All these people sitting there were homeless and miserable,” she said. “Something touched my heart. I asked, ‘Lord, what can I do?’ and that’s when I heard the voice say, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

Since then, Thompson and her husband have been cooking every meal in their own kitchen and covering most of the cost themselves. They estimate they serve between 100 and 200 people each Tuesday.

“The program is led by God,” Thompson said. “My husband and I have never been paid for any of the ministries we do. We come out of our own pocket, and other people donate.”

The couple holds one fundraiser each year — The Prom, a low-cost formal event for adults — to help keep the ministry going.

While volunteers like Thompson continue to step up, concerns remain about how the recent shutdown will affect families who rely on federal food benefits.

Michael Halligan with God’s Pantry Food Bank says the impact could linger across Kentucky, especially for families already struggling to access food.