Our Mission:
Dare to Care partners with local agencies, such as food pantries, shelters and emergency kitchens to distribute food to our community. In the past year, we’ve provided 19.6 million meals to our community.
Our Story
On Thanksgiving Eve in 1969, nine-year-old Bobby Ellis died of malnutrition in his Louisville home. Our stunned Kentuckiana community took action and created Dare to Care Food Bank, to ensure that no one in our community lacks enough food to live an active, healthy life.
We procure food from donors, retailers, and government agencies. We also purchase food items.
The food is then sorted in our warehouse or cooked in our kitchen with the help of incredible volunteers.
The food is then transported to hundreds of our partners such as emergency kitchens, shelter and food pantries across Kentuckiana.
The food is distributed to families and individuals, giving them access to fresh and healthy foods.
There’s power in the stories and experiences of our neighbors impacted by hunger. We must listen to the needs and concerns of those experiencing hunger in our community.
We recognize that hunger is linked to inequitable systems that harm vulnerable populations. This is why we must advocate for policies that support our community.
These policies include the Farm Bill, less restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and advocating for a livable wage for all.
Equity acknowledges hunger is not a one-size fits all scenario. Everyone has a unique story and experience as it relates to hunger. We must look at potential barriers or gaps in the ways we serve.
We’re moving towards a more inclusive approach that looks at operation hours, food pantry locations, and language translations. Dietary restrictions such as diabetic friendly foods, Kosher and Halal options will be considered.
Dare to Care Food Bank is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service. View a copy of our IRS Form 990 and Audited Financial Statements.
View a copy of our most recent annual report and newsletter.