According to the United States Census, Kentucky has a higher percentage of poverty and food insecurity among its population compared to the census estimate for the United States.  In 2016, an estimated over thirteen thousand Laurel County residents lived in poverty and over four thousand were youth under eighteen.  This represents a twenty and one half percent increase in total poverty and almost twelve percent poverty increase in children since 2008.  

The Expanded Food and Nutrition program assistant senior, along with the 4-H agent and assistants partnered with United Way and the Laurel County Schools to help distribute meals to nine different locations. Volunteers also served to help pass out meals.  

Over ten thousand meals were served in June and July when school was not in session.  Children were given educational materials which included information on My Plate and the food groups.  Sidewalk chalk and jump ropes were enjoyed by the kids and they played games which encouraged physical activity.  

The Laurel County Cooperative Extension Service was rewarded by the smiles on the childrens' faces when they picked up there food.  Hunger is real and it was fulfilling to serve to help children struggling with poverty and food insecurity.