N※N

Food panties, churches see increased demand for food

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/03 .. ties-churches-see-increased-demand-for-food.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 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}

2025-11-03 179 x 224 / 22765 Bytes

2025-11-03 224 x 224 / 16866 Bytes

2025-11-03 224 x 224 / 12819 Bytes

2025-11-03 224 x 224 / 12251 Bytes

Kentucky Churches Grapple with Surge in Food‑Pantry Demand

The past year has seen a sharp rise in the number of people turning to local churches and food‑pantry programs for help. An in‑depth look at the situation—captured by WKYT’s November 3, 2025 report—highlights the scale of the crisis, the community response, and the steps being taken to keep the shelves stocked.

A Rapidly Growing Need

The article opens with stark statistics from the Louisville‑area Food Bank: “In the last twelve months, the volume of food distributed has increased by 37 % compared to last year,” reports the Food Bank’s director. The uptick is not confined to one region. Across Kentucky, the state’s 300+ food‑pantry locations have reported a surge of 24 % in new client registrations, a figure that dwarfs the 4 % growth seen during the same period in 2023.

Local churches—many of which run on volunteer staff—are at the frontline of this demand. “We used to have one or two people walking in a day,” says Pastor Lisa McGee of St. Mary’s Parish in Lexington. “Now, we see a full house every Sunday.” The rise is tied to a combination of factors: lingering economic fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic, rising grocery prices, and a new state‑wide policy that has cut subsidies for small farms.

Community Response and Innovation

In response, churches are expanding their outreach. Several are partnering with the Louisville Food Network, a coalition that facilitates the redistribution of surplus food from local businesses. “We’ve started a ‘donation hour’ where local supermarkets bring excess produce before it spoils,” explains John Patel, director of the network. By redirecting food that would otherwise go to waste, the network has slashed the Food Bank’s reliance on emergency shipments by 15 %.

The article also spotlights a unique collaboration between the Church of the Resurrection in Frankfort and a nearby university’s agriculture department. Together, they are growing produce in a community garden, with surplus distributed to the church’s pantry. “It’s a win‑win: students get hands‑on experience, and the pantry receives fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables,” says campus agriculture professor Dr. Maya Singh.

Volunteer Shortages and Funding Gaps

However, the surge in demand has stretched volunteers thin. “We’re short on volunteers by 30 % compared to last year,” notes Michael O’Connor, head volunteer coordinator at the Greater Cincinnati Food Bank. While churches are tapping into broader networks, the shortfall is felt in staffing hours, food sorting, and distribution logistics.

Funding remains a critical challenge. The Kentucky Department of Health’s budget for food‑relief programs is slated for a 12 % cut next fiscal year, a decision that many in the article argue will deepen the crisis. “We’re already operating on a tight budget,” says Reverend Angela Carter of St. Patrick’s Church in Bowling Green. “More cuts mean fewer supplies and less capacity to serve.”

What the Data Shows

The report cites a recent state‑wide survey: 42 % of respondents reported difficulty affording enough groceries for their families. In the same survey, 18 % indicated that they had never used a food pantry in the past year but were now planning to do so. The data also show a geographic pattern: rural counties have seen a 34 % increase in pantry visits, while urban areas show a 20 % rise.

The article features a map that overlays pantry locations with demographic data, highlighting areas with the highest needs. In the blue‑shaded region of western Kentucky, for example, 1 in 5 residents report food insecurity—a figure that has climbed by 9 % in the past two years.

Call to Action

The piece concludes with a rallying call to readers: “If you’re able, donate unused food, offer volunteer time, or simply spread the word. Every action can help.” The article links to several online donation portals for local food banks, a volunteer sign‑up sheet for churches, and a petition urging state lawmakers to maintain or increase funding for food‑security programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Demand Surges: Food‑pantry usage in Kentucky has jumped by nearly a third, driven by economic pressures and reduced subsidies for farmers.
2. Community Partnerships: Churches and nonprofits are partnering with food networks and universities to increase supply and efficiency.
3. Volunteer & Funding Strains: Staffing shortages and impending budget cuts threaten to derail progress.
4. Rural Challenges: Rural areas face a sharper increase in food insecurity compared to urban centers.
5. Public Involvement: The article urges donations, volunteerism, and civic engagement as essential tools to address the crisis.

The situation remains fluid, but the story underscores a critical moment: a community rallying together to feed those in need while navigating unprecedented economic turbulence.