Governor Andy Beshear directs National Guard to help staff food banks
– 2 min read
Beshear says this will allow donations to go to feeding families, instead of hiring additional staff during the unprecedented demand at local food banks.
"I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.
Are you new here? Sign up for the free newsletter or subscribe to support our mission.
Governor Andy Beshear has directed the Kentucky National Guard to assist at local food banks, as demand for food assistance continues to increase across the state. He said the troops will work as staff at the facilities to allow monetary donations to go to food instead of additional staffing.
On Monday, White House staff told a federal judge the administration would partially fund SNAP, using money from a contingency fund. According to the memo filed in the court record, it will be up to the states to calculate how the money for families and then distribute the money.
The memo did note it was unclear how quickly the process would work and when SNAP benefit cards, known as EBT cards, would be reloaded.
Beshear said he has directed state-level staff to prepare to fund EBT cards with the partial funding allotment when it is received, but again, it is unclear when that money will come through to the state for processing.
In the meantime, he has directed an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks. Feeding Kentucky has a network in place to divide the funding across all 120 Kentucky counties.
Dare to Care will be receiving about $1 million from Feeding Kentucky to bolster local supplies.
Demand on a local level
Dare to Care, Kentuckiana's largest food bank, is reporting a massive increase in demand. According to Alexus Richardson, spokesperson for Dare to Care, the need is intensifying every day in our community.
She shared that the non-profit's warehouse on Fern Valley Road had a line out the door on Tuesday. At a spot where they typically feed about 40 families per day, they have already handed out food boxes to 117 families today.
Richardson said Dare to Care partner agencies- the food banks and pantries that are provided food by Dare to Care- are reporting a 40% increase in demand this week.
How can you help?
On a local level, the most effective way to help people who may lose access to food stamps is to donate money to credible organizations like Dare to Care. James said, while his organization is not turning down food or volunteers, they are equipped to do a lot with a little when it comes to cash.
For example, you will spend $1.09 in the grocery store on one can of soup. But Dare to Care can feed two people with your $1 donation.
You can donate here. If you or someone you know needs help finding access to food, you can find a list of Dare to Care partners here.
Like what you see? Learn more about Shay Informed here! This is honest journalism with compassion and clarity.
