FRANKFORT, Ky. —The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) obtained $40,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for distribution to local food pantries across the state; increasing much-needed space to keep food fresh at pantries throughout the state. 

KDA partnered with Feeding Kentucky to distribute funding to its seven-member food banks which in turn determined where the funds had the most impact. Feeding Kentucky’s seven-member food banks serve all 120 Kentucky counties in partnership with a network of more than 800 local food pantries and shelters. 

The money will purchase freezers and refrigerators to help pantries preserve donations of perishable items, such as eggs, meat, and milk.  “Fresh and frozen food is often the healthiest food available, but the distribution of these foods requires greater infrastructure at every point in the distribution chain,” said Marian Guinn, Feeding Kentucky Interim Executive Director. 

“We partner with Feeding Kentucky and six food banks to receive, store, and distribute the food in every county in Kentucky,” Ian Hester, KDA Director of Food Distribution said. “The banks receive federal funds for providing those services. We also work with Feeding Kentucky on the Farms to Food Banks programs, funded by the Kentucky legislature. Since 2011, over 11 million pounds of fresh produce from over 800 farmers in 85 counties have been distributed to hungry Kentuckians in all 120 counties.”

Data from May of 2023 indicates that 579,770 Kentuckians struggle with food insecurity; 12.9% of the state’s population. The USDA estimates over $318 million would be needed to end food insecurity in the Commonwealth.

The action is the latest in a series of steps KDA has taken as part of the Kentucky Hunger Initiative, launched in 2016 by Ryan Quarles, Commissioner of Agriculture, to bring together farmers, charitable organizations, faith groups, community leaders, and government entities to reduce hunger in Kentucky. 

This is the second time the Division of Food Distribution has secured USDA funding for such purchases. In 2020, the KDA used $25,000 from TEFAP to purchase 32 chest freezers and 24 standard refrigerators with top freezers delivered to food pantries nationwide.