Lexington, Kentucky, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky, will host Hunger Action Day to raise awareness of food insecurity in the region. The event, in partnership with God’s Pantry Food Bank, encourages community donations and involvement to combat hunger issues affecting over 280,000 residents. People are invited to wear orange and support food drives at local venues, emphasizing the urgent need for community solidarity in addressing this critical issue.
Lexington Hosts Hunger Action Day to Combat Food Insecurity
Lexington, Kentucky, is set to host Hunger Action Day on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in partnership with God’s Pantry Food Bank. This event aims to address the escalating issue of food insecurity affecting many individuals in central and eastern Kentucky. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a live donation drive will take place at the WKYT studio, encouraging community involvement through monetary contributions.
Currently, food insecurity in Kentucky has reached alarmingly high levels, impacting approximately 18.2% of the state’s population, which translates to around 280,000 people. Of particular concern is the situation among children, where one in four faces food insecurity.
God’s Pantry Food Bank, which has been operational since 1955, serves as a vital resource in combating hunger in the region. The organization has identified that nineteen of the most food-insecure counties in the United States fall within its service area. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for community support and awareness.
During Hunger Action Day, people are encouraged to wear orange to help raise awareness about hunger issues in local communities. Additionally, donations of nonperishable foods can be made at blue barrels positioned at Kroger and other participating partners. For every dollar donated, God’s Pantry Food Bank can provide enough food for six meals, highlighting the impact of monetary contributions on addressing food shortages.
Organizational Insights
Michael Halligan, President and CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank, indicates that the organization currently has about three weeks’ worth of food available in its 127,000 square foot warehouse. Traditionally, their model emphasizes moving food quickly to those in need rather than merely stockpiling it. This approach ensures that fresh food is available to those struggling with hunger.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, food availability has taken a severe hit. God’s Pantry now reports that it spends three to four times more on food than before the pandemic. Last year, spending on food purchases reached approximately $7 million, with only 15% of food supplies sourced from purchases rather than direct donations. Continuous support is essential to maintain the operations of over 500 partner food pantries served by the organization.
Community Engagement and Action
Hunger Action Month, which occurs in September, serves as a platform to rally community involvement in raising awareness and advocating for food access. Various actions are encouraged, including volunteering time at local food banks, advocating for policies that support food security, and donating to the cause. These activities align with God’s Pantry’s mission to alleviate hunger in the region and foster a sense of community solidarity.
As the need continues to grow, local residents are urged to participate in Hunger Action Day to provide meaningful support to their neighbors in need. Through collaboration and proactive engagement, the Lexington community can help make strides toward reducing hunger in Kentucky.
FAQ
What is Hunger Action Day?
Hunger Action Day is an event held to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage community involvement to combat hunger.
When will Hunger Action Day take place?
Hunger Action Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where is the donation drive located?
The donation drive will take place at the WKYT studio in Lexington, Kentucky.
How can individuals donate?
Individuals can make monetary donations via phone during the drive or drop off nonperishable food items at designated blue barrels located at Kroger and other partner locations.
What is the current level of food insecurity in Kentucky?
Approximately 18.2% of the population in Kentucky is currently experiencing food insecurity, amounting to about 280,000 individuals.
How does God’s Pantry Food Bank utilize donations?
Every dollar donated allows God’s Pantry to provide enough food for six meals, directly supporting locals experiencing hunger.
Key Features of Hunger Action Day
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Location | WKYT studio, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Duration | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Target Amount of Donations | Essential to support over 500 partner food pantries |
| Food Insecurity Rate | 18.2% of Kentucky’s population is affected |
| Child Food Insecurity Rate | 1 in 4 children are affected |
| Donations Impact | Every dollar provides 6 meals |
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Hunger Issues in Kentucky
- WTVQ: Hunger Action Day
- Lex18: God’s Pantry Food Bank
- Morning Ag Clips: Hunger Action Month
- Fox 56 News: Preparing for Hunger Action Month
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Hunger Action Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Google Scholar: Food Insecurity
- Google News: Hunger Action Month
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
