The growing need combined with proposed federal funding cuts leaves Dare to Care concerned about its ability to keep up with an increased need and decreased support.
Dare to Care just released new data from Feeding America that mirror increases in demand seen by local food pantries and partners. According to the annual Map the Meal Gap study, 186,350 of our neighbors are food insecure (a 48% increase in the last two years).
Kentuckiana food insecurity by the numbers:
- 1 in 7 people is food insecure (14.2%)
- 1 in 5 children is food insecure (19.0%)
This growing need combined with proposed federal funding cuts leaves Dare to Care concerned about its ability to keep up with an increased need and decreased support. Federal programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide nine meals for every one provided by a food bank. SNAP reduces food insecurity by about 30%. The Emergency Food Administration Program (TEFAP) provides more than 25% of the total food Dare to Care distributes — more than 7.5 million pounds of food last year alone. Dare to Care is not positioned to replace these programs.
If Medicaid cuts take effect, hospitals and health clinics in rural and economically disadvantaged areas say they will need to cut staff — entire departments, such as maternity care — or, worse yet, close their doors altogether. Cutting programs that help people meet basic needs will lead to a sicker, hungrier Kentuckiana.
Contact your lawmakers about SNAP and Medicaid
We are seeing people who work and live in this community who simply can’t make ends meet. Many are just one car repair, lost job or accident away from hunger — perhaps for the first time in their lives. It’s up to us to come together for the common good of our neighbors and offer them nourishing food needed to sustain a healthy and vibrant life. Here’s how you can help
Take action. Contact your federal lawmakers, ask them to permanently expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), strengthen The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and stop proposed Medicaid cuts.
Your voice matters to your Kentucky legislators and Indiana lawmakers.
Donate. When you contribute, you’re giving Dare to Care the ability to purchase the most needed items to support the nutritional needs of our community. A donation to Dare to Care, no matter the size, is a commitment to a healthier, stronger community. Every $1 helps provide 2 meals!
Volunteer. Dare to Care depends on more than 3,000 caring volunteers to help fulfill our mission, join us and help us make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Together, we can create a nourished community where everyone can thrive — our neighbors are counting on it.
