The Washington County Food Pantry, located at the Washington County TEL Center, is more than a food distribution site—it's a community cornerstone built on compassion, collaboration, and commitment. Operated through a partnership between the Washington County Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) and the Washington County Extension Office, the pantry continues to be a source of nourishment and hope for local families.

The pantry’s story began more than 15 years ago with the Washington County 4-H Teen Council’s backpack program, a grassroots effort to discreetly provide children with food for the weekends. From those humble beginnings, the initiative has grown into a full-service food pantry open once a month to families in need. Staying true to its roots, the pantry emphasizes good nutrition, strengthening family connections through shared meals, and respect for cultural and dietary differences.

In the 2024–2025 school year alone, $9,263 was raised to purchase food from Feeding America and the local Price Cutters Grocery Store. This support allowed the pantry to serve 63 individual households with consistent, healthy food options—many of which were paired with Plate It Up Kentucky Proud recipes from the University of Kentucky, encouraging families to cook together and eat well.

The pantry’s success is powered by the generosity of the Washington County community. Local businesses, churches, schools, and individuals contributed approximately $11,500 worth of food and supplies this year. Key partners included St. Vincent DePaul, Bright Night Power, Hometown Pharmacy, River of Life Community Church, Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, Gross Realty, Washington County Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

In addition to meeting immediate needs, the Food Pantry also serves as a space for growth and service. Students from the Washington County Commander Academy—an alternative school supporting those who struggle inside traditional classrooms—play a vital role in cleaning, stocking, and helping manage the pantry. Their involvement not only ensures the pantry runs smoothly, but also gives students valuable work experience and a meaningful way to give back to their community.

The impact of this collective effort can be felt in the words of those it helps:

“I have had food for the last weeks of the month. I’ve been able to get deodorant and shampoo when I desperately needed it.”

“We have not needed to panic on how we are going to feed our family or live paycheck to paycheck.”

Through this program, we are fulfilling youth developmental opportunities, nutritional needs, and overcoming economic limitations in Washington County.