(BENTON, Ky.)-Food insecurity has reached alarming levels across Kentucky’s Heartland, with new data showing nearly 190,000 people struggling to access adequate nutrition in 2023. The latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America documents a significant 11,900-person increase in food insecurity within the 42-county service area of Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH).
The surge represents more than statistics—it signals a growing public health crisis with far-reaching social and medical consequences. Food insecurity, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, occurs when individuals lack consistent access to sufficient food for maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
Marshall County Faces Significant Challenges
Local data paints a particularly concerning picture for Marshall County residents. With a food insecurity rate of 15.5%, approximately one in six residents—totaling 4,900 people—cannot reliably access adequate food. This rate exceeds the national average by 1.2 percentage points.
Children bear a disproportionate burden, with Marshall County’s child food insecurity rate reaching 19.7%. This means roughly one in five children, or 1,270 young residents, face hunger in the county.
“The annual Map the Meal Gap report plays a vital role in directing our efforts here at Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland,” explained Charles Dennis, FAKH’s Executive Director. “It helps us identify the areas of greatest need and allocate resources strategically to address food insecurity throughout the 42 counties we serve.”
Regional Disparities Highlight Widespread Need
The study reveals dramatic variations in food insecurity across FAKH’s service region. Cumberland County faces the most severe challenges, with 23.6% of residents experiencing food insecurity, while Nelson County reports the lowest rate at 13.4%.
Warren County and Hardin County emerge as areas of particular concern, ranking among Kentucky’s top five counties for total food insecure individuals, with 21,830 and 16,990 affected residents respectively.
Child hunger shows even starker disparities. While Nelson County reports a 16.8% child food insecurity rate, Fulton County faces a devastating 36.1% rate. Warren County leads the region in total food insecure children with 6,400, followed by Hardin County with 5,450 and Christian County with 5,310.
Community Response Despite Resource Constraints
FAKH continues expanding its impact despite facing reduced funding and resources. In Marshall County alone, the organization invested nearly $972,000 during the previous fiscal year, working with five local agency partners to distribute over 548,500 pounds of food—equivalent to more than 457,000 meals.
The collaborative approach proves essential for organizations like the Aaron McNeil House in Hopkinsville, which serves families experiencing crisis situations. Director Kurt Anderson emphasizes the partnership’s importance: “We really couldn’t do it without Feeding America because being a Feeding America agency allows us to really serve our community at a minimal cost to the Aaron McNeil House.”
The Aaron McNeil House hosts monthly food distribution events for Christian County families, distributing thousands of pounds of food with FAKH support while also addressing housing, utilities, and medication needs.
September Call to Action
This September, FAKH will participate in Hunger Action Month, joining Feeding America’s nationwide network in raising awareness about food insecurity. The campaign culminates on Tuesday, September 9, with Hunger Action Day, when food banks across the country unite to inspire action and increase public awareness.
Community members can show support by wearing orange, the official color of hunger relief, demonstrating solidarity with those facing food insecurity.
As food insecurity continues rising across Kentucky’s Heartland, organizations like FAKH remain committed to ensuring no resident goes hungry. Those interested in supporting these efforts can learn more about the organization’s mission at www.feedingamericaky.org.