The latest Map the Meal Gap data from Feeding America shows a troubling increase in food insecurity across Kentucky’s Heartland. In 2024, an estimated 211,370 individuals within Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland’s (FAKH) 42-county service area experienced food insecurity: an increase of 23,200 people compared to the previous year.
The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food to support an active, healthy life. More than a statistic, food insecurity represents a significant public health challenge with far-reaching social, economic and medical consequences for individuals, families and communities.
“The continued increase in food insecurity highlights the critical role that FAKH and our network of agency partners play in communities across Kentucky’s Heartland,” said Charles Dennis, Executive Director of FAKH. “With the support of our partners and supporters, we are committed to providing hope, resources and nourishment to our neighbors in need.”
The data for Logan County paints a sobering picture. The county's food insecurity rate stands at 18.8 percent, meaning roughly one in five residents — or 5,270 people — lack consistent access to enough food. That rate is 4.4 percentage points higher than the national average. Even more concerning, 25.9 percent of children in Logan County — approximately one in four, or 1,760 children — experience food insecurity.
Despite the growing need, FAKH and its agency partners remain committed to serving Logan County. During the last fiscal year, FAKH invested nearly $733,700 in the county through government commodities, donated food and purchased products. Working alongside five local agency partners, FAKH distributed nearly 433,200 pounds of food: enough to provide nearly 361,000 meals to children, families and seniors facing hunger.
The need for FAKH’s services is reflected in the stories of individuals like Rose Rogers, a hardworking Logan County resident whose life changed after becoming disabled. Through food distribution efforts supported by FAKH in Logan County through Logan County Good Samaritan, Rogers said the organization has become a vital lifeline, providing not only access to nutritious food but also hope and support during a difficult season.
“I used to make over a thousand dollars a week, and now I only clear $1,800 a month,” she said. “I don’t qualify for SNAP, so this pantry helps me get the things I need.”
This September, FAKH will join Feeding America and food banks across the country in recognizing Hunger Action Month: a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action in the fight against hunger. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, food banks nationwide will come together for Hunger Action Day, encouraging communities to stand united in support of hunger relief efforts.
FAKH invites individuals, businesses and organizations to participate by wearing orange, the official color of hunger relief, as a visible reminder of the continued need and the collective effort required to address food insecurity.
To learn more about FAKH and support its mission to ensure no one in Kentucky’s Heartland goes hungry, visit www.feedingamericaky.org.
About Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland
Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland gathers and distributes food in 42 Kentucky counties to feed our neighbors through local community partnerships. Since our establishment in 1982, we have distributed more than 377 million pounds of food and grocery items throughout central, south central, and western Kentucky – which equates to approximately 314 million meals. Our vision is to provide equitable access to nutritious food, so no one will go hungry and FAKH strives every day to make that vision a reality. For more information, visit www.feedingamericaky.org or find us on Facebook.