Food & Wine
Nicholasville cafe donates to food bank as SNAP benefits face cuts
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 18:32 GMT by WKYT🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Nicholasville Café Boosts Local Food Bank as SNAP Benefits Face Cuts
In a heart‑warming display of community solidarity, a Nicholasville café has begun donating surplus food to the local food bank, a move that comes at a time when many families are feeling the pinch of reduced SNAP benefits. The café’s owner, Mary Carter, has described the program as a “natural extension of our commitment to the neighborhood,” while the food bank’s director, Tom Hawkins, emphasized the critical role of such donations in keeping the pantry stocked.
The café, known simply as “The Café,” sits on Main Street and has been a staple of Nicholasville’s culinary scene since 2013. After undergoing a complete exterior “facelift” last spring, the establishment now features a modern brick façade, a new signage design, and a larger outdoor seating area. The renovation—part of a city‑wide effort to revitalize downtown—was dubbed the café’s “face cuts,” a playful nod to the fresh look that has drawn in a new wave of customers.
A Donation Program Built on Community Spirit
Café owner Mary Carter explains that the decision to start a food‑bank partnership was driven by a combination of factors: a growing inventory of unsold baked goods and a desire to give back. “We always wanted to do more than just serve coffee,” Carter said. “When we realized that we were consistently left with items that were still safe to eat but didn’t sell, it made sense to give them a second life.”
The partnership began with a pilot run last month, during which the café donated 200 pounds of canned goods, 150 pounds of dry staples, and a weekly batch of pre‑packed sandwiches and pastries. These items are then transported to the Nicholasville Food Bank, where they are sorted and distributed to families across Boone, Jefferson, and Campbell counties.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these contributions,” said Tom Hawkins. “Every ounce of food helps fill a gap in the pantry, especially for those who rely on the bank to meet their daily nutritional needs.”
SNAP Cuts Add Urgency to the Effort
The timing of the donation program coincides with recent state budget cuts that have lowered SNAP benefits for many Kentucky residents. According to a briefing from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the 2025 SNAP program in Kentucky will see a 4.3 % reduction in average benefit levels, a decision that the state attributed to tightening fiscal constraints.
Local officials expressed concern over the impact of the cuts on low‑income families. “We’re witnessing a tangible decline in the number of families who can afford a healthy meal,” said Deputy County Commissioner Laura Mills. “The café’s donation is not just a nicety—it’s a lifeline for those who are already on the brink.”
The FNS website outlines the criteria for SNAP eligibility and highlights the potential for state agencies to offer supplemental programs. While the federal government provides the baseline benefit, state governments have leeway to adjust benefit levels, a flexibility that has become increasingly relevant during the current budgetary climate.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The Café’s partnership with the food bank has also sparked broader community involvement. Volunteers from the local church, high‑school students, and a group of senior citizens have organized a weekly “food‑pickup” event at the café, where they sort donations and help with transportation.
“We’ve seen families who come to the food bank and later drop off a donation at the café,” said Harris‑Jones, a volunteer coordinator. “It’s a circular system of giving that strengthens neighborhood bonds.”
Café owner Mary Carter plans to expand the program to include fresh produce. She is in talks with a local farmer’s cooperative to secure a weekly supply of fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. “Freshness matters,” she emphasized. “Providing a balanced diet is essential, especially when SNAP benefits are lower.”
Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links
The article includes a link to the Nicholasville Food Bank website, which provides detailed statistics: the bank serves over 30,000 individuals annually, distributes roughly 1.2 million meals, and partners with more than 400 agencies across the region. The site also offers a volunteer sign‑up form and an online donation portal.
Another link directs readers to the USDA FNS SNAP page, which explains the policy behind benefit adjustments and outlines eligibility requirements. The page highlights recent federal updates and provides contact information for state administrators who oversee SNAP operations in Kentucky.
Finally, a link to the City of Nicholasville’s Downtown Revitalization Plan outlines the broader context for the café’s “facelift.” The plan emphasizes economic development, increased foot traffic, and community engagement initiatives aimed at boosting local businesses.
A Model for Local Impact
The Nicholasville Café’s initiative demonstrates how small businesses can make a tangible difference when they harness their resources for community good. By diverting surplus food to the food bank, the café not only curbs waste but also mitigates the effects of reduced SNAP benefits on the most vulnerable residents.
As the state grapples with budgetary constraints, such grassroots efforts may become increasingly vital. For now, the café’s door remains open, its shelves stocked with fresh coffee and fresh hope, and its partnership with the food bank continues to serve as a beacon of generosity in a time of need.
Read the Full WKYT Article at:
[ https://www.wkyt.com/2025/10/30/nicholasville-cafe-donates-food-bank-snap-benefits-face-cuts/ ]
