Fighting Hunger in Kentucky during Spring Break
How one family and their community partners are making an impact
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – In Kentucky, one in five children, that’s over 200,000 faces hunger, according to Feeding Kentuvky. A crisis that intensifies during school breaks when free meal programs cease. As part of an initiative called “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break,” volunteers are stepping in to provide essential meals to children in need. This program delivers 3,500 meals across seven parks, including the Charles Young Center in Lexington, ensuring kids receive hot lunches, snacks, and engaging activities throughout spring break.
At the forefront of this initiative are neighborhood commissioners Vivian and Robert Hodge, who, along with a dedicated team of volunteers and community partners, serve free meals at the Charles Young Center. Their efforts have garnered recognition, with Councilmember-at-Large James Brown highlighting the strong relationships they’ve built within the community. “They have been a pretty good strong force in this neighborhood,” he stated, emphasizing how residents rely on the Hodges for resources and opportunities.
The Hodge family’s commitment to feeding children began several years ago, and they are now integral to the “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break” program. For them, providing meals is about more than just food; it’s about nurturing children who may otherwise go hungry. Robert Hodge reflects on his childhood experiences in the community, saying, “It allows me to remember the neighborhood that I grew up in, and whatever these kids need, we’re gonna make sure that need is provided.”
Vivian Hodge stresses the importance of showing children that someone cares about them, especially during breaks when food insecurity can worsen. “Food insecurity is a serious issue here in Lexington,” she notes, explaining how children may go long periods without proper nourishment. The program not only provides hot meals but also sends kids home with take-home bags to sustain them through the evening.
The Hodges’ commitment is echoed by community partners like Kroger, represented by Community Event Coordinator Nicole Jacob. “We love to feed the human spirit,” she shares, expressing Kroger’s eagerness to support initiatives that nourish local children during spring break.
For the children involved, this program is more than just a meal—it’s a week filled with fun activities such as face painting and a DJ, creating an enjoyable environment while addressing their nutritional needs.
The Hodges’ dedication is rooted in their personal experiences and a heartfelt desire to ensure that no child feels forgotten, especially those from struggling families. Robert Hodge proudly recounts the growth of their program: “We started with 10 or 15 kids a day; now we have 100 kids. When you bring love, you get love back, and that’s what it’s all about—giving love, it’s free.”
As the Hodges continue their mission to feed kids during spring and fall breaks, their efforts highlight the profound impact of community action in combating hunger and fostering a supportive environment for children in Lexington.
