God’s Pantry Food Bank Continues to Assist in Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Efforts

Here in Kentucky, we come together to support friends and neighbors in times of need. Weather-related disasters are just one of many unforeseen circumstances that can immediately thrust someone into experiencing hunger. A staggering number of individuals and families in Eastern Kentucky have been severely impacted by the recent devastating floods, and the team at God’s Pantry Food Bank has been working with organizations – both local and national – to meet the widespread need for food, water, and relief supplies.

Working side-by-side, the Food Bank and our community partners have accomplished a great deal, including:

• Acquiring 887,000 pounds of disaster response food and water from generous donors throughout the U.S. – an amount equal to $1.1 million!
• Delivering more than 3,500 cases of water to Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Perry Counties.
• Stocking water, food, and MREs (meals that require no cooking) for our partner food pantries and meal programs through our London and Prestonsburg Warehouses.
• Providing 320,000 “on-the-go” meals of snacks and assorted food to dispatch into flooded communities in need of nourishment with no cooking required.
• Partnering with Save the Children to reach Perry County residents with hygiene and cleaning supplies.
• Coordinating with Christian Appalachian Project to transport water into Magoffin County.
• Working with other National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) members through Feeding Kentucky to effectively manage response efforts.

Delivering 1.5 million pounds of food since August 1 for overall hunger relief in all 50 counties that we serve.

Food Distribution at County Line Church, Breathitt/Perry Counties

In just over a week, God’s Pantry Food Bank has distributed close to 310,000 pounds of food and water to communities directly affected by the flooding, while also continuing to serve neighbors in all 50 Central and Eastern Kentucky counties in our service area. In support of that work, generous donors like you have given nearly $50,000 to the Flood Relief Fund.

But there is more to be done.

We are committed to not only continuing but expanding our disaster relief efforts in Eastern Kentucky while still providing access to nutritious foods to all who face hunger. Recently, Feeding America released the 2022 Map the Meal Gap study, which shows the food insecurity rate in Central and Eastern Kentucky to be 15.5% – almost 240,000 neighbors. The long-term effects of recent flooding will increase these numbers.

We know the value that food brings to a community rebuilding from the ground up. Please join us as we provide sustenance and comfort to our neighbors experiencing hunger in Eastern Kentucky.