According to the 2019 Census Bureau Quick Facts for Breathitt County, the median household income is $27,344.00; placing 30% of the county population living in poverty.  Those living in poverty often struggle to provide adequate nutrition/food to their families which directly affects the health of those families.  With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting existing food relief efforts in the county, Extension personnel began looking at ways to fill the gap between those in poverty and their basic needs.  

 To assist individuals and families that are suffering from food insecurity, Breathitt County FCS Agent, Kayla Watts, in partnership with the Robinson Center for Appalachia Resource Sustainability (RCARS), and God’s Pantry of Central Kentucky, came together to set up a monthly food distribution for the county.  

As a part of this program, food is delivered via God’s Pantry’s delivery system once a month.  The food is then boxed and distributed by Extension staff from both the Breathitt County Office and RCARS.  

Initially assisting 144 households with food insecurity through a drive-thru distribution service, the program has expanded to assisting 200 plus households during the Spring months.  All COVID-19 safety protocols have been in place in order to keep workers and participants safe as food is distributed.   An estimated 400 residents of Breathitt County are positively impacted each month with the food distribution program.   Items such as fresh produce and protein sources allow participants to not only provide food for their families, but nutrition as well.  Participants have even commented, “This really helps to provide for my family.  Thank you so much for this wonderful program.”

Food insecurity issues within Breathitt County were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.  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 participants.