Hunger reaches record levels in central and eastern Kentucky, study shows

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) –

A new report from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” study shows hunger has surged to the highest levels ever recorded in central and eastern Kentucky.

God’s Pantry Food Bank, which serves 50 counties across the region, says nearly 20 percent of people are now facing food insecurity—impacting more than 280,000 Kentuckians. The food bank says this includes 19 of the most food-insecure counties in the nation.

“The data’s alarming—it’s the highest it’s ever been,” said Michael Halligan, CEO and President of God’s Pantry. “We’re seeing 53 million meals missed per year across our service area.”

Sheila Combs, a local resident, says she turned to the food bank for help after taking custody of her special-needs nephew and being denied food stamps for two years.

“Without God’s Pantry, it wouldn’t have been as easy to feed him,” Combs said. “It’s not something to be ashamed of. I’d rather ask for help than have him go hungry.”

Halligan says contributing factors include inflation, natural disasters, and a reduction in federal assistance programs, noting the numbers are now higher than during the 2008 recession.

God’s Pantry Food Bank is calling on elected officials to protect food aid and strengthen agricultural policy to address the growing need.

For those in need of help or those willing to donate, more information is available at godspantry.org.