God’s Pantry Food Bank volunteers assemble 7,000 Thanksgiving meal boxes

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Volunteers gathered Saturday for God’s Pantry Food Bank’s annual Basket Brigade to assemble 7,000 ‘Sharing Thanksgiving’ meal boxes for Kentucky families.

Hundreds of volunteers in Lexington and London are helping families in need enjoy a Thanksgiving meal ahead of the holiday season.

Program provides ingredients for holiday meal

Alex Maddox with God’s Pantry Food Bank said the Sharing Thanksgiving program provides families with the ingredients to make a holiday meal.

“This time of year, I know I think about sitting around at the Thanksgiving table with my friends and family, and we truly believe everyone should experience that,” Maddox said.

God’s Pantry Food Bank said each box will feed roughly 6 to 8 people.

Need in central and eastern Kentucky

“The most recent data that we received from Feeding America on food insecurity rates in the 50 counties that we serve have increased by a little over 12 percent and so today, we know that there are over 314,000 of our neighbors in central and eastern Kentucky who are unsure where their next meal is coming from.” Maddox said.

“It’s probably the most impactful event we have because it alleviates that stress and that worry for these families at a really special time of the year,” Maddox added.

Volunteers

Hazard native Joseph Elsoueidi said a box could help a family in his hometown.

“I know that I’m making a difference in my community, even if I’m not there, even if I’m here,” Elsoueidi said.

Georgetown College softball player Delaney Vaughn and her teammates also spent Saturday morning volunteering.

“I think especially in today’s world, and the time that we’re in now, it’s now more important than ever to be a good person,” Vaughn said.

Delivery and assistance

Maddox said the boxes will be delivered to families in the coming weeks.

Maddox added all meal box recipients have been selected, but people who still need food assistance this Thanksgiving can reach out to God’s Pantry Food Bank for help.