According to Census Bureau Quick Facts for Breathitt County, 30% of the population live in poverty; often struggling to provide food/nutrition to their families.

Breathitt County FCS Agent, Kayla Watts, in partnership with the Robinson Center for Appalachia Resource Sustainability (RCARS), and God’s Pantry, came together to set up a monthly food distribution for the county.

Food is delivered monthly via God’s Pantry’s system. The food is then boxed and distributed by Extension staff from the Breathitt County Office and RCARS.

144 households are reached each month with an estimated 400 residents of Breathitt County being positively impacted by the food distribution program. Items such as fresh produce and protein sources allow participants to provide food/nutrition for their families. A participant commented, “This has really helped my family, especially since the flood this summer.”

The food distribution program through the Breathitt County Office, RCARS, and God’s Pantry is a way to help reduce food insecurity and increase nutrition consumption among Breathitt County residents.