Fight Against Hunger

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) partnered with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to spotlight food insecurity in Eastern Kentucky. The annual Hunger Walk, held each September, collected 18,240 pounds of food which will be used to help families in need in CAP’s service area. The food supports CAP’s pantry network in Rockcastle, McCreary, and Magoffin Counties.

“Hunger Walk is an opportunity to raise awareness in the communities that we serve about hunger issues faced by our neighbors. The event gives people practical ways that they can help,” said Carolyn Lindsey, Grateful Bread Food Pantry Program manager in Rockcastle County. “It brings the community together so that we all can make a difference.”

In Appalachia, 1 in 5 children are food insecure. Texas Roadhouse and Hunt Brothers Pizza sponsored this year’s walk. The generosity of donors brought in $19,905. Funds generated from the Hunger Walk help provide food for children and their families in CAP’s service area.

“The Lord has called us to turn outward to be a blessing to people. My father founded this company with a passion for serving people. He met CAP’s founder

in the 70s and was passionate about helping eliminate food insecurity. We can all do our part,” said Erin Hunt Ferguson, CEO of Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, a founding distributor of Hunt Brothers Pizza.

School partnerships like Rockcastle County Schools and Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) in Fayette County increase awareness among young people and help them be a part of service opportunities that make a real impact.

“We see the way hunger affects our student body. Learning, athletic participation, and social interaction are all made more challenging on an empty stomach,” noted Silas Durham, president of the Rockcastle County High School Honors Club. “These are our friends, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors. It is our responsibility to do what we can to support and love our community in the fight against hunger.”

Dr. Scott Wells, LCA’s Head of School, added, “Many of our neighbors in Appalachia struggle with food insecurity as well as right here in Lexington. Because we are blessed beyond measure, we are called to give back. If you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, nothing else really matters.”

Community leadership also showed their support by participating in the walk including Rockcastle County Judge Executive Howell Holbrook, Mount Vernon Mayor Mike Bryant, and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. They were joined by Rockcastle County School Superintendent Carrie Ballinger and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles.

A special highlight of this year’s community awareness was the inaugural Hunger Bowl hosted by Rockcastle County High School and sponsored by Momentum Courier. During halftime, Sam Hamilton, founder and president of Momentum Courier, donated $1,000 to Grateful Bread Food Pantry and pledged another $9,000 to support Hunger Walk.