Amid the U.S. Gov’t Shutdown, Kentuckians Convene to Address Food Insecurity in the Commonwealth

Frankfort, KY, October 30, 2025 – Advocates from across Kentucky are gathered in Frankfort today to discuss the state of food insecurity in the Commonwealth and what can be done about it.

Seeds of Hope for Kentucky is hosted by Bread for the World, a Christian anti-hunger advocacy organization, in collaboration with the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Coleman Crest Farms, Henson Media, and BSK Theological Seminary.

“The conference comes at a critical time. Like much of the country, food insecurity in the Commonwealth is a significant issue. Which is why we are hosting Seeds of Hope for Kentucky,” said Rev. Heather Taylor, managing director of Bread for the World. “Now, with the government shutdown, it could get significantly worse as funding for federal nutrition programs like SNAP runs out. If this happens, tens of thousands of families in the Commonwealth, including children, will go hungry. On top of the government shutdown, we have new SNAP work requirements and funding cuts coming into play that will make it even more difficult for struggling families in Kentucky to put food on the table over the long term. Now is the time to act.”

Kentuckians are more likely to struggle putting food on the table than the average American. This reflects food insecurity, where households may resort to buying more affordable but less healthy foods, eating smaller meals, or skipping meals altogether. In 2023, Kentucky’s food insecurity rate was 14.5 percent compared to the national average of 13.5 percent.

State and federal officials have warned that more than 600,000 Kentuckians who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) will not receive their monthly benefits on November 1 if the shutdown continues or other funding sources are not found.

“I get to hear firsthand, from people all over the southeast, how a lack of a living wage causes them to have to make really hard decisions for their families” said Florence French Fagan, senior regional organizer at Bread for the World. “Working families across Kentucky are struggling to feed their children. Poverty is a root cause of hunger in the Commonwealth, and across the nation. I am so incredibly grateful that constituents made the decision to attend the Seeds of Hope for Kentucky conference today. Their voices make a difference and their willingness to learn how to build meaningful relationship with their senators and members of Congress matter.”

Staff from both of Kentucky’s U.S. senators’ offices are attending the event, as well as staff from several of Kentucky’s U.S. House of Representatives delegation. Governor Andy Beshear is opening the conference with a taped welcome message. The conference also includes discussions about the impact funding cuts to federal nutrition programs will have on food insecurity in the Commonwealth, the state of food relief efforts, and the importance of advocacy to address hunger.

Quotes from Participating Organizations

“As a scholar and faith leader deeply engaged in questions of justice and the American moral crisis, I am honored to support Seeds of Hope for Kentucky. This gathering reflects the best of our public witness—people of faith, policy leaders, and community advocates coming together to confront the scandal of hunger in our state. Nearly one million Kentuckians struggle to feed their families, and this conference reminds us that ending hunger is not merely a policy goal but a moral and spiritual mandate. Events like Seeds of Hope embody the kind of collaborative, justice-centered work we seek to cultivate through the Institute for Black Church Studies: a movement of faith communities committed to courage, compassion, and systemic change.” Dr. Lewis Brogdon, Executive Director, Institute for Black Church Studies, BSK Theological Seminary

“I am honored to partner with Bread for the World and others to bring this important conversation about food, nutrition and hunger to Kentucky. Families are struggling to feed their children, farmers are struggling to maintain their family farms, and our communities must come alongside and care for them as they also advocate for better policies and better protections for our children and families.” Rev. Sharon Felton, Congregational Advocacy Manager, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

“We are in a critical time of great concern. People who are already food insecure are becoming ever more desperate for nutrition and food support. The government shutdown imperils state’s ability to pay SNAP benefits starting next month, and the overall cuts made in recent federal spending bills to SNAP and other benefits for those who live with hunger and poverty. Hunger is rising and will continue to rise unless we do something to avert the drastic increase. Standing together, learning about the current realities of hunger and finding ways to take effective action are vital in this moment. I believe that this Seeds of Hope event will be a chance to do those things that are necessary in this time to keep momentum going to end hunger in our communities.” Rev. Rebecca Barnes, Manager, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Interim Unified Agency, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Photos of the event are available. If you are interested in obtaining a photo for media use or interviewing a participant, please contact Chris Ford at [email protected] or 202-688-1077.