Kentuckians recently came together to kick off the holiday season by supporting their neighbors in need. In November, Governor Andy Beshear announced a three-week food drive to benefit children, their families, and seniors across the state after seeing an increase in food insecurity. He appointed established charities like Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), God’s Pantry Food Bank, and Dare to Care Food Bank to receive and distribute the donated items.

“CAP is grateful to Team Kentucky for stepping up to help us fight hunger and feed hope throughout Eastern Kentucky,” said Sarah James, CAP’s church and community relations officer. “Many of our Kentucky neighbors experience hunger every day and they need our help. It is quite true that we can do so much more working together as a team.”

CAP collected a box truck full of food from Frankfort Thursday and is preparing to distribute the items through our pantry network which includes Grateful Bread Food Pantry in Rockcastle County, Eagle Food Pantry in McCreary County, Jackson County Food Pantry in Jackson County, and partner pantry Water Into Wine in Magoffin County.  

While one out of every five children in Appalachia struggles with food insecurity, the situation is even more severe in CAP’s service area, where one in four children does not have reliable access to enough food. During the holiday season, food insecurity can be amplified as families decide whether to pay heat bills, put food on their tables, or purchase other essential items, like medications. CAP’s human services programs are there to support people in Appalachia and help ease their stressors, so they do not have to make difficult choices.

“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the support of Team Kentucky,” said Libby Wasserbeck, manager of CAP’s Grateful Bread and Jackson County Food Pantries. “Thank you for giving the gift of hope to the families we serve this holiday season. Your generosity makes our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia possible.”

James added, “Team Kentucky has truly demonstrated the compassion Kentuckians have for one another and their willingness to lend a helping hand. Through your efforts, you have brought hope and happiness to people throughout our state by providing them with nutritious meals.”

Update: CAP recieved a total of 3,728 pounds of food from the Team Kentucky food drive.