The recent government shutdown has affected millions of Americans. With an estimated 670,000 furloughed federal employees, 730,000 who worked without pay and 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who lost their benefits, there are many in our nation who are currently struggling. To quote Clair Babineaux-Fontenot from Feeding America, “reopening the government will not instantly reset lives or businesses, large or small, to where they were before it began, nor will it fully address the needs of tens of millions of people already experiencing food insecurity.”
In response to this, many organizations have begun raising funds or hosting donation drives for those who are in need. In fact, many of these organizations are located in our own community. If you are in need of assistance or are looking for a way to help those in need, there are many ways that you can get involved.
Kentucky Food Ministry (KFM), which was founded in 2019, is one organization that many Asbury students are already involved in. The ministry was started by a Lexington Christian Academy student and is “maintained by Asbury students and local volunteers,” according to Geneva Wise, an Asbury student and KFM volunteer. “We meet for a few hours every Saturday in downtown Lexington to pack meals, then walk a route handing them out and meeting people. Many people recognize and expect us each week. Getting involved doesn’t have to mean committing every week; you can come with us as a one-time thing or whenever your schedule allows,” stated Wise.
Students who are interested in getting involved can contact the director, Asbury alum Lexie Salvaterra, by emailing info@kentuckyfoodministry.org. “If you can’t volunteer your time or want to make an additional impact, we are taking clothing donations as it gets colder, and we are also always grateful for monetary donations,” concluded Wise.
While organizations like Kentucky Food Ministry have been in operation since long before the shutdown, other local organizations and businesses like Unify Coffee Co. have started partnering with other organizations in need of support. Unify is partnering with God’s Pantry, one of Kentucky’s largest food banks, to collect donations of some of their most-needed items. Some of these items include canned tuna, canned chicken, green beans, corn, canned or dried fruits and macaroni and cheese. Customers can bring needed food items and drop them off in the blue bin located just outside of Unify. Those who do will receive 15% off any food or drink purchase. If you are interested in getting involved with God’s Pantry more directly, you can visit https://www.godspantry.org/ for more information.
You can also start a virtual food drive through God’s Pantry by going to www.godspantry.org/take-action/food-drives-fundraisers?form=XUDAKTDP. For every $1 that is donated, God’s Pantry is able to collect, store and distribute enough food for six meals.
These are just two of many organizations that are working to help those who struggle with food scarcity and economic insecurity in our area. To see a list of more organizations that provide meals and other kinds of support, you can visit https://jesspublib.org/food-assistance/.
Additionally, many local churches also provide donations, programs and support to those in need. Several congregations in Jessamine and Fayette counties operate food pantries, weekly meal programs, clothing closets and other assistance initiatives. Church leaders often rely on volunteers to keep these programs running, but not everyone is always aware of these initiatives. If you attend a local church, you can speak to your pastors or ministry coordinators to learn how to get involved. Many churches also publish program details and volunteer information on their websites or social media pages.
Whether it is through donating canned goods, giving financially, volunteering a few hours on a Saturday or simply sharing information with someone who may need it, community support plays a critical role during moments of national instability. While the government shutdown has placed significant strain on families across the country, it has also reminded us of the power of local action.
As neighbors, students and members of a broader community, we each have the ability to respond with compassion. By supporting organizations already doing this work, or by stepping in to help someone directly, we can strengthen the safety nets that so many rely on in times of uncertainty.
Photo courtesy of NY Times.
