Lexington, KY – April 2, 2025 – God’s Pantry Food Bank recently reached a milestone in its mission to reduce hunger: for the first time in its 70-year history, the Food Bank has distributed more than 50 million pounds of food in a single year. This unprecedented achievement comes as food banks across the country, including God’s Pantry Food Bank, continue to see rising demand for their services due to high grocery prices and economic challenges.
Amid these challenges, God’s Pantry Food Bank recently expanded its capacity by relocating to a new facility at 2201 Innovation Drive. The new 127,232-square-foot facility has addressed critical infrastructure needs, enabling God’s Pantry Food Bank to scale its operations and serve more families than ever before.
This milestone comes at a critical time, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently confirmed the cancelation of $500 million in food purchases for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The funding, which was announced last year, was to be funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).
Without these additional food resources, God’s Pantry Food Bank faces significant challenges in meeting the current demand. Of the 50 million pounds distributed in the past year, one-third (16.4 million pounds) came from USDA food sources; therefore, the loss of this funding leaves a gap that will impact families relying on food assistance.
"We are incredibly grateful to our donors, volunteers, and community partners who have made this milestone possible, but the unfortunate reality is that the need continues to grow," said Michael Halligan, God’s Pantry Food Bank CEO. "With grocery prices still high, families are turning to food banks in record numbers. We need strong, bipartisan support for programs like TEFAP that help connect U.S. farmers with food banks to fight hunger."
As God’s Pantry Food Bank commemorates this milestone, it remains committed to meeting the growing demand and ensuring a nourished life for every Kentuckian. The organization encourages the community to continue supporting its mission through donations, volunteerism, and advocacy.
About God's Pantry Food Bank:
In Central and Eastern Kentucky, 1 in 6 people do not know when they will have their next meal. God’s Pantry Food Bank empowers more than 500 food pantries and meal programs across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Our vision: A nourished life for every Kentuckian. Our mission: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Visit www.godspantry.org to learn more.
Press Contact
Laura Brooks
lbrooks@godspantry.org
606-584-4572
