God’s Pantry Food Bank has grown from one woman trying to meet needs to a network of more than 500 food pantries
Food is an essential source: for growth, for strength, for life. Unfortunately, not all Kentuckians have access to good, nutritious food. To help meet the needs of those Kentuckians, God’s Pantry Food Bank serves as an advocate in 50 counties across central and eastern Kentucky.
This year, the Lexington-based nonprofit is commemorating its 70th anniversary, carrying on the work of its founder, Mim Hunt. Hunt began her work in Lexington by filling her station wagon with food, clothing and bedding to distribute directly to individuals in need. Soon, neighbors were bringing food donations to what became known as “Mim’s Pantry,” which operated from her Lexington home. But Hunt quickly corrected them.
“I don’t fill these shelves,” she said. “God does. This is God’s pantry.”
God’s Pantry Food Bank was born out of this work in 1955 and remained mobile until the first standalone pantry was opened in 1959.
Since its founding, the food bank has grown in many ways. What started with one woman attempting to do what she could to address a need is now an organization that oversee 500 food pantries and meal programs, with a dedicated staff committed to the mission of solving hunger.
Still growing
God’s Pantry recently moved into a new facility, representing a transformational step forward in addressing food insecurity for the individuals who rely on the food bank for essential nourishment.
The new 127,232-s.f. facility will provide critical infrastructure needs, enabling the organization to expand from its current capacity of 38.9 million meals (FY 2024) to meet the current demand of 50 million meals and future needs of up to 60 million meals.
According to recent data, nearly 265,000 people in central and eastern Kentucky are experiencing hunger, representing a 2% increase from last year’s data release. This includes 1 in 4 children who are not being nourished.
God’s Pantry has been hit especially hard by economic challenges that affect food insecurity. Ten of the nation’s 25 most food-insecure counties are in central and eastern Kentucky, and Kentucky is the seventh most food-insecure state in the nation. (Learn more by visiting https://tinyurl.com/57b7cc9m.)
To add to the challenge, supply chains are tighter, leading to a noticeable reduction in the amount of donated food the pantry receives. As a result, the organization is having to rely more heavily on purchased food to meet the growing demand. The issue is further exacerbated by rising inflation, which drives up the cost of food, transportation and other operational expenses.
Community involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing food insecurity; every gift makes an impact. In fact, for each dollar donated, God’s Pantry Food Bank can provide six nourishing meals.
People can get involved in three impactful ways: volunteer, advocate and donate:
- To volunteer, visit at godspantry.org/take-action/volunteer.
- To advocate, visit godspantry.org/take-action/advocate.
- To donate, visit godspantry.org/donate.
Mim Hunt devoted her life to helping others and her work is proof that one person, with every small action, can make a large impact. If you can be part of the drive to reduce hunger in Kentucky, visit the website listed above to help make a difference.
