Food insecurity describes a household’s inability to supply enough food for each member to live an active, healthy life. In Eastern Kentucky, one out of every six individuals are unsure where their next meal will come from, and Laurel County has a 16.4% insecurity rate in the entire county.  The God’s Pantry Food Bank serves over 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky.  Through the donations that are made to the pantry, meals are supplied to families who have food insecurities.

The Laurel County Extension ANR, HORT, FCS and 4-H programs collaborated with the London-Laurel County Farmers Market and Laurel County Cattleman to prepare a “trash can dinner” to help raise funds and address food insecurities caused by the recent historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The event was named in honor of the former Laurel County Extension Horticulture Agent, Bonnie Sigmon, who passed away earlier this year. Bonnie worked with local community groups to organize the first Farmers Feast in 2016 to highlight the farmers in our community while encouraging donations to address local food insecurities. With the exception of 2020, the event has been held annually since that time.

The meal was prepared by the Cattlemen's Association in large stainless-steel pots (resembling trash cans) layered with fresh vegetables and smoked sausage.  All of the vegetables were grown and donated by local producers. The dining area was decorated in picnic fashion, including vases of locally grown fresh flowers. Several Farmers Market vendors also set up their booths for participants to enjoy samples and purchase local products.  The evening concluded with a live cake auction featuring cakes donated by Laurel County Homemakers, community members, and local businesses. 

Approximately 250 people attended the event with over $12,000 being raised to help support Gods Pantry Food Bank and the flood relief efforts in Eastern Kentucky. The Food Bank stated that this donation will provide over 84,000 meals to area families in need.