Only Half of Kentuckiana Households Would Seek a Food Pantry After Income Loss, New Dare to Care Data Shows

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — February 5, 2026 — Even as more than half of working-age adults say they worry “a lot” about their finances, only about half would consider turning to a food pantry if they suddenly lost income, according to new regional research released this week by Dare to Care Food Bank. The findings, shared at a public data event, highlight how stigma, shame and misconceptions — not just access — keep many Kentuckiana families from seeking food assistance when they need it most.

The data represents the third and final phase of a three-year research initiative funded through a $1.84 million Humana Foundation grant focused on equitable food access and seniors. The most recent data surveyed and interviewed households across Dare to Care’s service area to better understand why some eligible families delay or avoid pantries.

Researchers found that while 56% of respondents worry heavily about their finances, far fewer — about three in 10 — report worrying a great deal about having enough food, suggesting many underestimate their risk until a crisis hits.

When presented with a job loss or benefits disruption, only about half said they would consider using a food pantry, even after weeks of financial strain. Although nearly two-thirds said they would likely seek help in theory, 52% of those hesitant to use a pantry said they believed others were “more in need,” a perception that often delays action.

The research paints a picture of families quietly cutting expenses, skipping meals or selling belongings before ever asking for food. Many described emotional barriers — embarrassment, guilt and fear of judgment — as stronger than logistical ones like hours or transportation.

“These findings tell us hunger doesn’t always look the way people expect,” said Dr. Ursula Mullins, Chief Impact Officer at Dare to Care. “Many of the families we’re talking about are working, caring for children or older relatives, and doing everything they can to hold things together. By the time they reach us, they’ve often exhausted every other option. That delay can mean empty cupboards and impossible choices between food, rent or medicine.”

For front-line partners, those numbers reflect what they see daily.

“It breaks my heart knowing when everything in your life is uncertain, food shouldn’t be one of those things,” said Shane Schlatter, executive director of Exodus Family Ministries, a local pantry partner. “We meet grandparents raising kids, parents recovering from layoffs, folks managing health crises. The common thread is courage – it takes courage to walk through our doors when there’s nothing left in the fridge.”

Dare to Care leaders say the findings matter now as Kentuckiana families face rising housing, grocery and health care costs. Even households earning between $30,000 and $60,000 — traditionally considered stable — reported living closer to the edge, with small disruptions quickly triggering food insecurity.

“This research gives us a clearer picture of the ‘hidden middle’ — families who may not fit the stereotype of hunger but are one setback away from needing help,” Mullins said. “If we want equitable food access, we must normalize asking for assistance and removing the stigma around getting help. We are committed to making the process simple, welcoming and dignified.”

The study was conducted by Louisville-based IQS Research and included a probabilistic survey of 210 households earning $30,000 to $60,000 annually, along with 34 in-depth interviews with new and longer-term pantry users across Dare to Care’s multi-county service area.

Dare to Care said the results will guide outreach, communications and policy efforts aimed at reducing stigma, improving information about pantry locations and hours, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Leaders also plan to use the findings to advocate for stronger public benefits and investments that help families stabilize before a crisis.

“Our goal is simple,” Mullins said. “No one in Kentuckiana should have to choose between feeding their family and keeping the lights on. The more we understand the barriers, the better we can remove them.”

###