By Tina V. Bryson  

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) employees and volunteers Feb. 5 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house of the organization’s new Grateful Bread Food Pantry facility located at 3065 Richmond Street, Mount Vernon. 

“This organization already has a huge impact, but this new pantry will help even more of our Kentucky families,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the pantry. “…You’re living out our Team Kentucky values, helping your neighbors, taking care of each other, and getting through the hard times together so we can get to the good times together.” 

In 2007, Grateful Bread began serving children, their families, and seniors in need throughout the community.  The mission of the pantry is to reduce physical and spiritual hunger in Rockcastle County. 

The pantry’s former facility was 1,853 square feet. The new facility is 4,620 square feet and includes twice as many parking spaces and a three-door cooler in the shopping area to enhance the shopping experience for families. A drive-thru was added to help traffic flow and to provide shelter for shoppers during inclement weather. 

“We are excited about this new, larger facility, but more importantly, we want to make sure that participants continue to have a wonderful experience at the pantry with staff who truly care about them and their personal needs,” said Carolyn Lindsey, director of human services programming in Rockcastle, Jackson, and McCreary Counties. “Whether it be their need for food, prayer, or just someone to talk to. We want to be there.” 

Grateful Bread serves around 800 families each month, in addition to nearly 200 seniors through the USDA Commodities program. The pantry also prepares 142 weekend food backpacks each week (568 food backpacks a month) for local school students who may not have enough to eat at home when they are not receiving free or reduced lunch at school.  

“This food pantry expansion is a part of helping us serve more and serve better,” said CAP President/CEO Guy Adams. “Our staff are committed to having the greatest impact in the communities we serve. Every day our employees and volunteers serve communities struggling with the impacts of poverty with the mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.” 

In addition to the Governor and CAP representatives, also in attendance were Mount Vernon Mayor Tim Roberts, Judge Executive Howell Holbrook Jr., Rockcastle County Schools Superintendent Carrie Ballinger, and God’s Pantry President/CEO Michael Halligan.