Food insecurity continues to be a growing issue in Kentucky. That increases the need for backpack programs in schools.
God’s Pantry Food Bank CEO Mike Halligan said one in four children may not have enough food on the table. Any government financial benefit tied to the COVID pandemic is gone. But, Halligan fears the higher prices seen in grocery stores will remain.
“I think the pressure that that puts on families that are making a lower wage rate further stresses budget and makes it more difficult to figure out how to make ends meet,” said Halligan.
Halligan noted 54,000 backpacks through various organizations tied to God’s Pantry are delivered to school children for weekend nourishment. He added the cost for 36 weeks is about $200 for each backpack. And Halligan expects the backpack numbers to increase this school year.
“So it will be some number greater than 54,000, which is what we did last year. The question is how many more can we do and how can we effectively and efficiently distribute those backpacks to every child who needs one,” said Halligan.
Halligan said there is often a food-insecurity cycle based on economic conditions including inflation and availability of jobs. He said some stabilization may occur in the next few years, but hunger will remain a significant issue. In addition to the school backpack programs, there are food pantries in nine schools in and out of Fayette County. Halligan noted that program has almost doubled in the last few years.
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