According to Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland, “One in five children, in the 42 countries served by Feeding America, face hunger every day.”  Hunger is a real issue in our region.  An unimaginable issue that we fight year-after-year in our county.  The 4-H Food for Kids Backpack Program provides food assistance to youth enrolled in our public school system on a weekly basis.  A project of this nature requires a large financial backing, something that has been sponsored annually by the 4- Teen Club.  When local artist, April Jernigan, learned of the financial need this year, she stepped up to the plate and hosted the inaugural Empty Bowls Full Hearts of Muhlenberg County.   Mrs. Jernigan owns The Studio, Art for All in our hometown.  Mrs. Jernigan offered a unique way to provide financial support to our program where both the program, and donors benefited.  Community members painted bowls for months leading up to the soup supper benefit where supporters filled their bowls and selected a handcrafted bowl as a souvenir.  The event featured a local praise band, good food and great fellowship.  Empty Bowls Full Hearts raised $4,000 to support the Backpack Program.  We are grateful for our community’s support.  The added funding will help feed the 220 youth enrolled in our program.