Lexington residents face a sharp rise in food insecurity as Thanksgiving approaches, prompting God’s Pantry of Lexington to intensify its donation drive and prepare a large‑scale distribution event, according to Lex18.
Interim President and CEO Danielle Bozarth told Lex18 that food insecurity in the pantry’s service area of central and eastern Kentucky has increased by 12.4% this year compared with last year, putting the number of people in need at approximately 314,000. Bozarth warned that the figure could climb by another 30,000 before next Thanksgiving, estimating a possible 10% year‑over‑year increase.
The organization estimates that more than 800,000 Kentuckians statewide are experiencing some level of food insecurity, roughly one‑quarter of the state’s population. Bozarth emphasized that families will feel the strain after Thanksgiving as they balance holiday gifts, a Christmas meal, and higher heating and electric bills, noting that “come January, that’s when families are going to need us the most.”
To address the growing need, God’s Pantry is running a food donation drive that will continue through the end of November. While the warehouse shelves appeared full during a Thursday visit, Bozarth cautioned that “it doesn’t take more than a few truckloads to clear the place out.” The drive is part of “Lexington’s Big Give,” a city‑led initiative that allows anyone to drop off food at the pantry or any government location, with all donations routed to those in need.
The pantry’s biggest annual effort is slated for next week: a two‑day “Sharing Thanksgiving” event at Southland Christian Church. Bozarth announced that the pantry will distribute 7,000 Sharing Thanksgiving boxes, each intended to provide a complete dinner for a family on Thanksgiving Day.
Registration for the Sharing Thanksgiving program is already complete, according to the Lex18 report. The pantry encourages residents who wish to donate or need assistance throughout the year to visit its website at www.godspantry.org.
Local officials and community volunteers are expected to support the event, reinforcing Lexington’s tradition of charitable collaboration during the holiday season.
What’s next: God’s Pantry will continue accepting food donations through the end of November and will hold the Sharing Thanksgiving distribution at Southland Christian Church during the two‑day event before Thanksgiving. Residents can learn more or sign up to volunteer by visiting the pantry’s website.
Sources: lex18.com
