LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The response to coronavirus in Kentucky has resulted in an major increase in need for food assistance at God's Pantry Food Bank.
In the last eight days the food pantry has seen a 50 percent increase in food assistance need in Fayette County, God's Pantry CEO Michael Halligan said. Across the 50 counties the organization serves, he reported a 35 percent increase in need in the past week.
"Our hunger relief response to COVID-19 is unprecedented," he said.
Most people are looking for basic staple foods, he said, like pasta, fresh produce and peanut butter.
"A lot of folks are finding themselves food insecure for the first time," he said. "Individuals that have been laid off due to the virus...who have been living paycheck to paycheck and find themselves in very uncertain times."
The food pantry has not run out of food, Halligan said, but has had to quickly restock.
"We've got ten truckloads of product on order. We will likely have to purchase a lot more but right no we are able to fill all the orders and to provide the food stuff that folks need to have a healthy diet," he said.
Anyone seeking food assistance through God's Pantry can call 859-259-2308.
Donations can be made to God's Pantry Food Bank at https://godspantry.org/donate/
LEX 18 has partnered with God's Pantry for "Hope Over Hunger."
For how to donate to God's Pantry, and how to request assistance, click here.
