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Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you serve?

With the economy in a dramatic downturn, more than 300,000 people in God’s Pantry Food Bank’s 50-county service area are at risk of hunger. In any given week, emergency food providers across central and eastern Kentucky provide food and meals to 35,934 different clients. Click here for 2006 Hunger in Central and Eastern Kentucky.

How does someone get food from your agency?

In Fayette County, clients are referred by a social worker or a social service agency such as the Salvation Army, Community Action Council, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The referral is a telephone call to our office where we keep records based on name and social security number. If the individual is eligible to receive food, then they are matched with one of our local pantries, where they may select food for their family. The referral is also a way to ensure that an individual gets all the help they need. For example, a social worker or social service agency can refer a client to another agency for clothing and/or shelter. Outside Fayette County, please contact us for information concerning agencies in your area, or visit the “Member Agencies” section on the menu to the left.

Where do you get the food you distribute?

We receive large contributions of food through America’s Second Harvest, the Nation’s Food Bank Network. This product is donated from national manufacturers such as Kellogg and Nabisco. Locally, we get food from numerous donors (Kroger, W.T. Young) and through food drives. We also receive USDA commodities through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

How long has God’s Pantry Food Bank been in existence?

God’s Pantry Food Bank has been in existence for 53 years. We were founded in 1955 by Mim Hunt, who served food to the hungry out of the basement of her home in Lexington. In 1979, we were incorporated and in 1984, God’s Pantry became a member of America’s Second Harvest the Nation’s Food Bank Network.

Who are the agencies you serve across the 50 counties of central and eastern Kentucky?

Our more than 385 member agencies include emergency food pantries, homeless shelters, abuse centers, senior programs, soup kitchens and children’s homes. Any agency that has 501C3 status and serves food (meals or food box) to needy people may be eligible to become a Food Bank member agency. For a more detailed look at our Food Bank Member Agencies, click on the “about us” tab above, and then the “member agencies” menu to the left side of the screen.

Do these agencies get the food for free?

A significant portion of our inventory is distributed to agencies at no charge. Produce, bread and USDA commodities are free to eligible agencies. A smaller percentage of our inventory is distributed with a “shared maintenance fee.” This fee contributes toward the transportation and warehousing costs incurred in obtaining the food. We also offer a bulk purchase program to interested agencies for products that are rarely donated (frozen or canned meats, pasta, peanut butter).

How many people are on your staff?

We have 28 full or part-time staff members at God’s Pantry.

Is the Lexington warehouse your only facility?

No. We have a warehouse in Prestonsburg, Ky. (God’s Pantry-East) that serves our 11 eastern-most counties.

Is God’s Pantry Food Bank a 501c3 organization?

God’s Pantry Food Bank is a private, non-profit 501c3 organization named by its founder, Mim Hunt, years ago. We do not operate as a religious organization nor do we work in conjunction with the government. We receive funding from private institutions and foundations, as well as from individuals, churches and community groups.

Are you a United Way funded agency?

God’s Pantry Food Bank is not a United Way-funded agency. We receive donations from private donors such as individuals, foundations, businesses and churches.
To make a donation to God’s Pantry Food Bank, click here!