BGCF Mobilizes $275,000 to Fight Food Insecurity Following SNAP Benefit Delay

Across Central and Appalachia Kentucky, tens of thousands of our neighbors are now grappling with the loss of federal food assistance following the November 1 expiration of SNAP benefits. In response, Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF) has brought together partners and activated resources to ensure food reaches those most affected. BGCF has committed $187,000 in direct support to food pantries and hunger-relief programs across our 16-county service region. The discretionary funds at BGCF contributing to this response include the David C. Humphreys Fund, the Edith D. Gardner Fund, the Stewart-Hindman Fund, and the Thomson R. Bryant, Jr. and Betty R. Bryant Fund.

Several of BGCF’s endowed community funds and initiatives have joined in to ensure no one in our region goes hungry. Together, the Clark County Community Foundation ($15,000), Franklin County Community Fund ($5,000), Fund for Greater Lexington ($10,000), Harrison County Community Fund ($10,000), Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative ($12,000), Madison County Community Fund ($10,000), RL Brown Foundation ($2,500) Rowan County Community Fund ($3,100), and Woodford County Community Fund ($20,000) are sending critical support to food pantries and hunger-relief efforts across Central and Appalachia Kentucky. Together, that’s $275,000 invested in nonprofits working to put food on our neighbors’ tables.

Nearly 600,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP benefits each month. In the 16 counties served by BGCF, more than 86,000 residents depend on SNAP to help feed their families—an average of one in ten people. In some counties, that number rises to nearly one in three.

“Our mission at Blue Grass Community Foundation is simple: activate philanthropy to build a community where everyone can thrive,” said BGCF President/CEO Lisa Adkins. “That starts with making sure every family has enough to eat. When our neighbors are fed, our communities are stronger.”

BGCF leadership is matching staff donations, offering a dollar-for-dollar match on donations up to $250 to local food pantries or organizations working to fight food insecurity.

We encourage BGCF fundholders, donors and caring community members to give what they can to their local food pantries. Every donation, large or small, helps fill shelves and feed families. Those unsure where to give can call us at 859.225.3343 or browse our Kentucky Nonprofit Directory.