This year, we commemorate 70 years of service at God’s Pantry Food Bank. What began in 1955 as Mim Hunt’s personal mission to combat poverty and hunger in Lexington has grown into a regional force for good, serving 50 counties across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Mim’s simple acts of kindness—filling her station wagon with food, clothing, and bedding to help others—planted the seeds for an organization that has touched countless lives.
Over the decades, we have commemorated many milestones:
1950s-1970s:
- Mim Hunt founded God’s Pantry Food Bank.
- The first pantry location opened on Oldham Avenue.
- GPFB was officially incorporated.
1980s:
- Transitioned into a full Food Bank, serving as a large-scale source of food for other pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens throughout the 8 counties.
- Mary Jo Votruba became Executive Director.
- Opened a location in Prestonsburg.
- Reached first 1 million pounds of food distributed.
- Relocated to Forbes Road.
1990s:
- Served 48 counties with 225 partner agencies.
- Began the Sharing Thanksgiving Distribution.
- Marian Guinn became CEO.
- Moved to 1685 Jaggie Fox Way, enhancing distribution capabilities.
2000s:
- Added the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
- Reached 10 million pounds of food distributed and raised $1 million in fundraising.
- Launched the BackPack Program to provide weekend meals for children.
- Expanded to serve 50 counties across Central and Eastern Kentucky.
2010s:
- Doubled produce distribution to provide healthier food options.
- Opened the Southeast Regional Distribution Center.
- Introduced the first School Pantry
- Opened the Morehead Regional Distribution Center.
- Empowered more than 400 partner agencies.
- Mike Halligan became CEO, continuing the organization’s mission to combat hunger.
2020s:
- Kentucky Army National Guard supported the Food Bank during the COVID pandemic.
- Opened the Volunteer Center.
- Added two pantries to the Fayette County Pantry Program.
- Received a transformational $9 million gift.
- Distributed record pounds of food and produce in coordination with more than 500 partner food pantries and meal programs.
- Opened the Lexington Mobile Market.
- Moved into our new home at 2201 Innovation Drive, a facility designed to transform our ability to serve those experiencing food insecurity in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
In FY2024, we distributed over 46 million pounds of food, creating nearly 39 million meals for more than 264,000 Kentuckians. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of our growing team, now more than 80 strong, and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and partners.
As we look back on seven decades of service, we honor the legacy of Mim Hunt, whose vision and compassion continue to inspire us every day. We invite you to join us in this mission as we look ahead to a future with a nourished life for every Kentuckian.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 70 years of making a difference—and many more to come.
