Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As food insecurity rises in Central Kentucky, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre has called on Catholics to pray for those struggling to feed their families and to consider donating to local food pantries. In a statement issued on November 18, Archbishop Fabre addressed the growing need in the region.

“There is a critical need in Central Kentucky, as a growing number of people are facing food insecurity,” wrote Archbishop Fabre. “Food pantries operated by Catholic Charities of Louisville and St. Vincent de Paul of Louisville are experiencing a significant increase in families, making it hard to keep food on the shelves to meet the growing demand.”

He referenced scripture, saying, “The Scripture, ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink (Mt. 25:35), reminds us that an expression of our Catholic faith is our faith in action. In these challenging times, people need to know they are loved and not forgotten.”

Local social service leaders have reported that food pantries within the Archdiocese of Louisville have experienced increased demand for several months. The recent government shutdown and delays in SNAP (food stamp) benefits have added further strain.

Catholic Charities’ three food pantries have all seen significant increases in clients. In October, before the SNAP delay took effect, the Sister Visitor Center served more than 2,500 people—a 33 percent rise in new participants compared to previous months. The Father Jack Jones Food Pantry at Holy Name Church saw a 30 percent increase in clients during October and added three new weekly shifts. The Bread for Life Food Pantry in Bardstown served 565 people during the first week of November—double its usual weekly number—and expanded its outreach with school deliveries and a new mobile pantry route.

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO of Catholic Charities, described ongoing challenges: “Since spring, it has been month over month more people, greater need and dropping supply.” She added that rising grocery prices mean donations do not go as far as before: “You’re getting fewer things for your money.”

St. Vincent de Paul’s pantry and soup kitchen on South Preston Street near downtown Louisville also reported serving more people recently. Tony Nochim, communications and public relations coordinator for St. Vincent de Paul, said: “We’ve seen a 20 to 25% increase over the last several months. We’re serving more people and food is flying off the shelves.” On one recent Tuesday alone, they served 166 individuals—a record for their facility.

Both organizations noted strong community support following appeals for help late last month and earlier this month. Nochim stated: “We’re grateful for the support.” DeJaco Crutcher echoed this sentiment: “We’re incredibly grateful... Continued individual giving is crucial to getting through this.”

However, DeJaco Crutcher cautioned that while community generosity helps address immediate needs, it does not resolve long-term challenges faced by local food ministries. She said sustained involvement is necessary but difficult to maintain indefinitely: “That’s why we pay for this with tax dollars, because we as a society agree this is something that needs to happen in an organized fashion.” She added: “It would be wonderful if everyone could put their neighbor first; if we all lived that way, maybe we could have a society of private charity.”

Needed items include canned or non-perishable proteins such as beans or tuna fish; fruits; vegetables; pasta; cereal; and oatmeal. Those interested can organize drives or drop off donations by emailing donations@archlou.org or donate funds at cclou.org or participate through St. Vincent de Paul’s Stock the Shelves Initiative at svdplou.org/stock-the-shelves.