Lawmakers rally to stop hunger in Kentucky

State lawmakers rallied on Thursday in Frankfort to bring attention to the hunger problem in Kentucky. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one in six Kentuckians is lacking consistent access to enough food. Kentucky Association of Food Banks says that 2015 is the second year that Kentucky state income taxpayers can donate a portion of their refund to KAFB.

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the fund provides grants to nonprofits for the distribution of Kentucky-grown surplus agricultural commodities to low-income individuals.
“As Kentucky’s 50th Attorney General, my focus will be on strengthening Kentucky families and protecting children from abuse and neglect,” Andy Beshear said. “I am committed to do whatever is in my power to make sure all of our children’s most essential needs are met. Access to healthy meals is a fundamental building block to ensuring our Kentucky children have a chance to thrive. In the coming year, my office will be working with the Kentucky Association of Food Banks to explore ways in which all Kentucky lawyers and voluntary bar associations can take action to help reduce hunger in the Commonwealth.”
“Food security continues to be a critical issue affecting many Kentuckians and we look forward to working in a collaborative nature with the Kentucky Association of Food Banks,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This is just the beginning of bigger conversations we will have to address hunger in Kentucky.”
“An astounding 22 percent—nearly one in four children—doesn’t always know where his or her next meal will come from in Kentucky,” said Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. “Donating a portion of their tax refund is an opportunity for Kentuckians to help ensure their most vulnerable neighbors have enough healthy food to eat.”
“The $30,255 grant from the tax check-off donations allowed us to fill half a plate full of fruits and vegetables for over 210,000 meals during last year’s growing season,” said executive director of the Kentucky Association of Food Banks Tamara Sandberg. “Our goal for 2016 is $40,000 in donations, which would provide enough produce for 280,000 meals.”
In 2015 state income taxpayer’s donated $30,255 to the fund.
For more information, go to www.kafb.org.