Kentucky is among of the most impoverished states in the nation and subsequently also possesses some of the most startling hunger statistics.  A poverty rate of 18.1% contributes to one in six Kentuckians struggling with hunger.  That means nearly 700,000 people in the Bluegrass, including approximately 200,000 children struggle with hunger.  With 22% of Kentucky children being food insecure and eleven counties having childhood insecurity rates of greater than 30%, there is much need for a collaborative effort to lower these alarming figures.

Kentucky State University (KYSU) Cooperative Extension Program, in cooperation with other KYSU departments and members of the Kentucky Campus Compact, hosted the 2019 Kentucky Hunger Dialogue on September 7.  The 1890 Land Grant University joined the likes of the University of Kentucky, Berea College and Bellarmine University to serve as the host for the 4th Annual Event.  Focusing this year on food insecurity involving children, the breakout sessions included:  the KYSU Summer Feeding Program, Community Gardens, Container Gardening with Pallets and Gleaning in Your Community.  Kentucky Ag. Commissioner Ryan Quarles as well as other distinguished speakers addressed the group as well.  Efforts to promote local food production included a Farm to Table Luncheon while another sustainable feature included centerpiece floral arrangements made from the state flower goldenrod and other native species of wildflowers.  

The impact of this years event entitled Kentucky Hunger Dialogue - Hunger is Not a Game is difficult to measure at this point.  Like any event that is designed to address such a broad reaching problem that existed before but has been more strongly pronounced since the Great Recession of 2008, no one single factor is the end all cure all.  Rather, the event attended by 73 civic minded individuals at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm will serve as a catalyst for inspired thinking back at the various communities from which they come.  Perhaps most inspiring were the words shared by a KYSU student during a panel discussion as she related her personal struggles growing up and how as an 8 year old she placed greater efforts to feed her younger siblings than take care of her own hunger needs.