LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dare to Care Food Bank brought together 330 volunteers from 28 companies across Kentuckiana for its annual Food Fight Day of Service, supporting local food pantries and community organizations amid continued food insecurity.
The event focused on service rather than competition, with volunteers helping put meals on the table for people in need. Dare to Care said nearly 1,000 volunteer hours were donated through the effort.
“We see record numbers in food insecurity as it relates to individuals waking up in the morning and not knowing where they’re going to get their next meal,” said Vincent James, president and CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank. “Simultaneously, we’re seeing a decrease in federal support and other supports while we’re seeing this increased demand.”
James said partners are stepping up to help meet that need.
“And so, we see our partners now stepping up and being able to say, ‘What can we do? How can we work together to be able to help serve our neighbors?’” James said.
Employees from Flavorman spent the day putting together meals at the Ronald McDonald House of Louisville, where volunteers said the event gave them a firsthand look at the impact of their work.
“It’s always one of my favorite days of the year,” said Kristen Wemer, chief technical officer at Flavorman. “Flavorman takes the last couple months of the year to have fundraisers to support Dare to Care, and so we’re excited to also participate in the food fight so we can actually get out and volunteer with them.”
Kadeja Davis, lab manager at Flavorman, said the day of service helped raise awareness about families in need.
“Personally, I think it’s created a lot of awareness, honestly, to realize how many families are in need or just going through a difficult time and being able to make a small effort to help them in their time, I think it’s important,” Davis said. “Even if we never meet those families, but just that they need it and we’re able to help just in a small way.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, also participated in the event.
“We cannot let anyone in our community go hungry,” Greenberg said. “We need to do everything we can every day to make sure that Louisvillians have all the food that they need.”
Leaders at the Ronald McDonald House of Louisville said the partnership with Dare to Care helps them feed families staying there while seeking health care for their children.
“Dare to Care has been an important partner of ours for a long time,” said Hal Hedley, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Louisville. “Part of our role and mission at Ronald McDonald House is to feed the families we serve here, as we provide them with a home away from home when they need to travel to Louisville to seek healthcare for their child.”
Hedley said food provided weekly by Dare to Care is used by the Ronald McDonald House chef to prepare healthy meals for families.
Dare to Care said the need for food assistance continues beyond Hunger Action Month. The organization encourages people to get involved by donating, volunteering or supporting their local food pantry.
Dining and Cooking