The latest Map the Meal Gap data from Feeding America shows that food insecurity is rising across Kentucky’s Heartland, with more families struggling to access consistent, nutritious food.
In the 42-county service area covered by Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, an estimated 211,370 people experienced food insecurity in 2024. Officials say that’s an increase of 23,200 from the previous year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland says the growing numbers point to a broader public health concern, with effects that reach into homes, schools, workplaces and medical care.
Charles Dennis, executive director of Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, says the continued increase shows how important the food bank and its agency partners are to communities across the region. Dennis says the organization remains committed to providing hope, resources and nourishment to neighbors in need.
The numbers are especially stark in Caldwell County. The county’s food insecurity rate is 20.5 percent, meaning about one in five residents, or 2,590, do not have reliable access to enough food. That rate is 6.1 percentage points higher than the national average.
Officials say child hunger remains an even deeper concern. In Caldwell County, 32.9 percent of children are food insecure. That is roughly one in three children, or about 950 young people.
Despite the growing need, Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland says it continues to serve Caldwell County through local partnerships. During the last fiscal year, the organization invested more than $437,000 in the county through government commodities, donated food, and purchased products.
Working with two local agency partners, the food bank distributed more than 261,000 pounds of food in Caldwell County. That was enough to provide nearly 218,000 meals to children, families and seniors facing hunger.
This September, Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland will recognize Hunger Action Month along with food banks nationwide. Hunger Action Day is set for Tuesday, September 29th, with individuals, businesses, and organizations encouraged to wear orange in support of hunger relief.
For more information about Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, visit https://www.feedingamericaky.org
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