Hunger in Kentucky is only getting worse. A stronger Farm Bill could help. | Opinion

The latest data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study paints a troubling picture of food insecurity in Kentucky. The numbers reveal a stark reality: hunger in our state is worsening. With nearly 265,000 people in Central and Eastern Kentucky experiencing hunger, including 1 in 4 children, it’s evident that action is urgently needed.

The situation is especially dire in the area where God’s Pantry Food Bank serves. Ten of the nation’s 25 most food-insecure counties are in Central and Eastern Kentucky, making Kentucky the seventh most food-insecure state in the nation. These statistics represent real people and real families struggling to put food on the table every day.

The root causes of food insecurity are multifaceted and often tied to economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and income instability. These factors prevent many from accessing enough food for a healthy life. While hunger relief organizations like God’s Pantry Food Bank work tirelessly to alleviate hunger, we cannot solve this issue alone.

One critical tool in the fight against hunger is the Farm Bill. This legislation is pivotal in shaping our nation’s food assistance programs and agricultural policies. As discussions around the next Farm Bill intensify, it’s imperative that we advocate for measures to protect and strengthen programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. However, the current benefit levels often fall short of covering the actual cost of a nutritious diet. By prioritizing the Thrifty Food Plan within SNAP, we can ensure that benefit levels accurately reflect the true cost of food. This modernization is essential to help SNAP participants afford the nutritious foods necessary for their health and well-being.

Continued investment in TEFAP is also crucial. This program supports U.S. farmers by providing a market for surplus agricultural products and helps food banks distribute food to those in need. In regions like Central and Eastern Kentucky, where food insecurity is rampant, TEFAP plays a vital role in ensuring families have access to nutritious options. TEFAP currently accounts for 19% of our distribution.

CSFP is another critical component of our efforts to combat hunger. CSFP provides nutritious USDA foods to low-income seniors aged 60 and above. This program not only addresses food insecurity but also contributes to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. CSFP accounts for 13% of our distribution.

A strong Farm Bill that prioritizes nutrition and food assistance programs is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. Hunger undermines the health and productivity of our workforce, hindering economic growth. Investing in programs that combat food insecurity is an investment in the future of our nation. Without SNAP, TEFAP, and CSFP, we will not make any progress on closing the meal gap.

Moreover, addressing disparities in food insecurity by race, ethnicity, and place is essential. No community should be left behind when it comes to access to nutritious food. By working together to strengthen food assistance programs and address the root causes of food insecurity, we can build a healthier, more resilient Kentucky and America for all.

As we navigate the challenges of hunger in our state, let’s remember that we all have a role to play. Whether through supporting local food banks, advocating for policy changes, or volunteering our time, we can make a difference. We urge our policymakers to craft a Farm Bill that reflects our commitment to ending hunger and ensuring that every Kentuckian has access to the nourishment they need for a better future.

Michael Halligan is the CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank.