Local food pantries in Louisville, including three run by Catholic Charities of Louisville, have received significant community support over the past month. This response comes as a result of heightened needs following a government shutdown. However, local social service leaders emphasize that demand for assistance remains high.

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, CEO of Catholic Charities, noted that since spring there has been a steady increase in people seeking help while available supplies have decreased. She explained that rising grocery and rent prices are major factors contributing to the growing need. “You’re getting fewer things for your money," she said.

DeJaco Crutcher added, “Everyone knows what it feels like to be hungry. Even if you have the resources, you may sometimes miss a meal,” pointing out the mental burden experienced by those who do not have enough to eat. She emphasized that feeding those who are hungry is central to the mission of Catholics: “One of the ways Jesus is always with us is in the form of food (the Eucharist). It is tremendously important to us physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre recently called on the Catholic community to assist those in need. In his statement on November 18 he said, “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.”

Catholic parishes, schools and organizations across the Archdiocese of Louisville are involved in efforts to provide food assistance in various ways.

Father Matthew Hardesty, pastor at St. Athanasius Church—which provides both food and emergency financial aid—said their goal is “to keep both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in the minds of our parishioners and give them an opportunity to practice them.” He stated this aligns with what Catholics should strive for.

St. Athanasius’ ministry COSA (Community Outreach of St. Athanasius) has operated since 1966 with support from parishioners, students and Scouts from its school community. Students at St. Athanasius School recently organized their annual Thanksgiving food drive alongside Scouts, collecting 3,600 items for COSA’s efforts—including Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets.

A statement from Father Hardesty described why the parish supports this ministry: “The parish invests in this ministry because it embodies our mission of following Jesus Christ by feeding, healing and shepherding.” The statement also noted involvement gives parishioners a tangible way to live out their faith through service while providing clients with material help as well as dignity and hope.

Tony Nochim from St. Vincent de Paul highlighted that although donations often rise during holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas when many participate in seasonal giving drives, hunger persists throughout the year; his organization fights food insecurity every day.