Helping those in need.

Hunger in Shelby County

Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of regular access to nutritional food for an active and healthy life. The food insecurity rate in Shelby County is 10.3% of the total population, and the child food insecurity rate is 12.8%.

Food Insecurity

10.3% of Shelby County's population or 4,890 individuals

Child Food Insecurity

12.8% of Shelby County's population under 18 or 1,410 children

Dare to Care’s Response

Last year, Dare to Care distributed enough food to provide 1,015,342 meals to Shelby County families in need. Of that, 626,000 pounds were fresh produce, which was distributed for free.

1,015,342 meals provided to hungry neighbors in Shelby County in 2021

626,000 pounds of free produce distributed in Shelby County in 2021

Lisa's Story

For the past three years, life has been a fight for 54-year-old Lisa. A stroke left her limited use of her legs and completely diminished her ability to return to the job she had held for many years. Since then, she has relied on Dare to Care and the food pantry at the Serenity Center in Shelbyville. Lisa is grateful for this distribution site, that often serves more than 600 people each week. “Even if the line is long, I just wait my turn. I am so thankful for Dare to Care. Everyone is wonderful here. The people are friendly and everyone is so helpful,” Lisa says boldly. Two of Lisa’s neighbors, ages 89 and 75, are shut-ins, unable to go out and get food, so every time Dare to Care provides her with a box of food, she shares with her neighbors and the blessing is multiplied. For the much needed gift of food, that Lisa couldn’t otherwise afford, she can’t thank Dare to Care enough. “It helps me a lot and I am so grateful.”

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