Gov. Beshear, First Lady join Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to deliver 34,000 pounds of food to Kentucky food banks

 On Monday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Frankfort to help unload a 34,000-pound food donation that will be distributed through Feeding Kentucky; a nonprofit that serves all 120 counties across the commonwealth. The delivery is part of a nationwide effort by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to send 250 truckloads of food to 250 food banks across the country to commemorate America250.

“This donation could not have come at a better time, as more people across our country and commonwealth are facing hunger due to rising costs and changes to the SNAP program, which supports our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Gov. Beshear. “Checking on our neighbors and helping fight hunger is the right thing to do, and I want to thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this meaningful donation. I also want to thank Feeding Kentucky for their continued work to fight hunger and help families across our state.”  

“Hunger is hunger, and it takes all of us working together, like we are today, to rise above the challenges and help our fellow Kentuckians,” said Mrs. Beshear. “As a mom, it’s hard to imagine any child going hungry – and parents shouldn’t have to skip a meal just to make their groceries last. This generous donation and partnership will make a difference for families, seniors and more across our state, and I am incredibly grateful.” 

The 34,000-pound donation included shelf-stable foods, such as canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, flour, pancake mix and dried milk. Most items are produced by the Church and funded through voluntary donations from its members.

“What motivates this effort is love of God and love for our fellow man,” said Steven Bodhaine, regional leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors, and one of the simplest ways we can do that is to do something about a need we see. We are grateful for the opportunity to link arms with Feeding Kentucky, Gov. Beshear and others throughout the commonwealth to serve our neighbors. We hope this food will not only help meet a physical need but also remind families that they are cared for.”

Feeding Kentucky will distribute the donation through its network of seven partner food banks, which provides food and groceries to families across the state. Through the organization’s more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, Feeding Kentucky reaches an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year.

“This is what food insecurity looks like in Kentucky,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “It’s not just hitting rural communities, it’s hitting everywhere. We are increasingly seeing people who are working, including people earning middle-class wages, struggling to keep up with the cost of living and put food on the table. A neighbor, coworker or family down the street may be facing that choice right now. Donations like this provide thousands of meals that help us reach those families.”