MAYFIELD, KY – 3.3 million U.S. households with children struggled with food insecurity in 2022.

That number is up by more than 6% compared to previous years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Locally, one Mayfield food pantry has seen an increase in food insecurity since the December 10, 2021 tornado. 

Pete Galloway has volunteered at Mayfield-Graves County Need Line and Food Pantry for the past eight years.

“You see quite a few kids who need food that sometimes don’t get everything that they need at home,” said Galloway.

Food pantry director Jackie Herndon says people already struggling with hunger were hit even harder after the storm.

Since the tornado, they’ve been serving about 900 to 1,000 people per month. 

Leaders at the pantry have continued to communicate with community members in need. “We talk to our clients and get a general feeling that way,” said Herndon. “You know, it definitely exists. There’s a lack of food in a lot of families.”

Herndon says it’s important to fill the gaps that schools can’t cover when it comes to food insecurity. He says while the school system does a good job providing meals for students, some kids struggle during the weekends, along with those who aren’t in school for other reasons. 

Galloway says, as someone who’s worked in the school system and has seen the need first-hand, it’s important to volunteer when he can.

“I just think it’s good when you have an opportunity to give back and there’s a need here and I see that it’s helping people,” said Galloway.

There’s a special USDA distribution for people living in Graves County that’s taking place at Need Line from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, October 27th.

The items will include frozen meats and fruits along with dry goods. There are income guidelines to qualify for the program.

For more information, call 270-247-6333.