Each week more than 20,000 pounds of food gets distributed to eight counties across western Kentucky - and it’s still not enough. Purchase Area Regional Development District Commodities Director Clay Black said the need for funds, transportation and cold food storage are just a few issues in combating hunger across the Commonwealth.
“Farms to food banks program just currently in the month of July we have distributed over 83,000 pounds of fresh produce," Black said.
Black was one of several food advocates that recently joined a 'Kentucky Hunger Task Foce' discussion spearheaded by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. The effort aims to lessen food insecurity by connecting farmers, non-profits and other community organizations.
Quarles said one in six Kentuckians is food insecure, a majority of them children and the elderly.
There are 32 food pantries in the Purchase Area District.
The fresh produce being distributed through the initiative is a first for many of the participants.
