Record number community partners, volunteers and more come together to take action to end hunger in Kentuckiana

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 15, 2024) – Dare to Care mobilized more than 500 volunteers and community partners across Kentucky and Southern Indiana to end hunger this September in honor of Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness around hunger and inspire communities to act.

Dare to Care volunteers, community retail partners, and food pantries throughout the region worked together to provide 2.37 million pounds of food or 1.9 million meals to our neighbors. Food was made available through more than 200 food pantries, and more than 60 mobile pantry locations including a pop-up mobile pantry in West Louisville.

“Our community showed up for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,” Dare to Care President and CEO Vincent James said. “Throughout Hunger Action Month, we welcomed familiar faces and hundreds of new volunteers. As food insecurity continues to impact more of our neighbors, we’re proud to live in a community of supporters who dedicate their time and resources to eradicating hunger.”

Nearly 200,000 individuals are experiencing hunger in Kentuckiana. Through this network of community partners coming together Dare to Care can provide pathways to ensure no one is experiencing hunger.

“We know a single missed paycheck can cause food insecurity, we know families need nutritious meals to grow healthy minds, we know hunger is tied in with housing security, employment, and education opportunities,” James said. “That’s why we’re working to create a nourished community where everyone can thrive. That’s why we need your support.”

The Hope Buss Director of Development and Engagement Nannie Croney said, “Every hand, every minute matters to us and without your continued support we cannot keep up our great work!”

Across Dare to Care’s 13-county service area, one in 8 people experience food insecurity according to Map the Meal Gap. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary or long-term situation. In Jefferson County, 101,980 people experience food insecurity. About 40% of these neighbors are above the threshold for SNAP benefits, increasing demand for Dare to Care and its partners to offer support where the federal government has pulled back.

The generous support of our community, including partners like the Anthem Foundation, makes fresh produce and other resources available for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, you can visit daretocare.org.

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