Unsung Heroes: Feeding Kentucky's Children During the Summer Months

In a heartwarming display of dedication and compassion, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), No Kid Hungry, and Feeding Kentucky came together to recognize the tireless efforts of the Summer Hunger Heroes and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) on July 18. This event shone a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that no child in the Commonwealth goes hungry during the summer months.

Nourishing Kentucky's Youth: A Collaborative Effort

Honoring the Summer Hunger Heroes

In June, No Kid Hungry announced 10 Summer Hunger Heroes for their outstanding commitment to children's summer hunger relief. These individuals have gone above and beyond, expanding summer meal programs in rural communities and helping to set the new Summer EBT program in motion. Among the honorees was Cathy Gallagher, the manager of the Summer Food Service Program at KDE.Gallagher's dedication to her work is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly behind the scenes, providing support and resources to the staff who make the summer meals a reality for Kentucky students. "I'm very honored to receive this award from No Kid Hungry," Gallagher said. "In Kentucky, our goal is to ensure that a summer meal opportunity is provided for every child in Kentucky in need of one."

Driving Remarkable Growth in Summer Meal Provision

The SFSP, administered through the KDE, has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In May and June of 2024, the program served more than 3.9 million meals, a staggering 51.65% increase compared to the same two-month period in 2023. This impressive achievement is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of Gallagher and her team."Cathy and her team have created a culture of 'yes' for Kentucky summer sponsors, and the positive ripple effects are felt across the Commonwealth," said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in expanding the reach of the SFSP, ensuring that more children than ever before have access to the nourishment they need during the summer months.

Feeding Kentucky's Children: A Shared Responsibility

The success of the SFSP is not the result of a single individual's efforts, but rather a collective endeavor. Feeding Kentucky, a key partner in this initiative, has been instrumental in supporting Gallagher and her team. "We know we can't end hunger alone and are grateful to partner with Cathy Gallagher and her team at the Kentucky Department of Education," said Melissa McDonald, the executive director of Feeding Kentucky.This sentiment is echoed by Chuck Scofield, the executive vice president of No Kid Hungry, who praised Gallagher's exceptional efforts. "It is through the energy and commitment of heroes like Cathy Gallagher that the promise of No Kid Hungry can become a reality. Hunger is a solvable problem, but it is through action that transformation takes place – and Cathy is making that happen."

Expanding Reach and Accessibility

The SFSP's success is not limited to the impressive numbers it has achieved. The program has also adapted and evolved to better serve the needs of Kentucky's children. Recent congressional changes have provided the program's operators with more ways to reach kids, including group meal sites and to-go and delivered meals in rural communities.These changes have had a tangible impact, with the average daily attendance at feeding sites increasing by 33.67% in May and 27.14% in June. The number of sites offering meals has also increased by nearly 7% from 2023, ensuring that more children have access to the nourishment they need."Recent federal program regulation changes provided an opportunity to reach more children with summer meals," said Lauren Moore, the director of the Division of School and Community Nutrition at KDE. "Cathy has led our summer team and dedicated sponsors across the state to maximize this opportunity for Kentucky's children."The SFSP's commitment to accessibility is further exemplified by the program's presence at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent), where it serves approximately 14,000 meals weekly. This is a vital lifeline for students who may struggle to access nutritious meals during the summer months.

A Brighter Future for Kentucky's Children

The tireless efforts of Cathy Gallagher, her team, and the countless partners involved in the SFSP are a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child in Kentucky goes hungry. Through their dedication and innovation, they are not only addressing the immediate needs of Kentucky's children but also paving the way for a brighter, more nourished future.As Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher eloquently stated, "Unfortunately, some students may find it difficult to get a nutritious and healthy meal during the summer months. Having these programs in place is highly important to connect children with the meals they need while school is out." The SFSP's success is a shining example of how, through collective action, we can overcome the challenges of childhood hunger and provide every child in the Commonwealth with the nourishment they deserve.