Low-Income Services

Food Assistance, Holiday Assistance

Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Baskets, Meals & Food Assistance Kentucky

Posted onAuthorPamela Lipscomb
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As the season of gratitude and giving approaches, many in Kentucky look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with a hearty feast. However, for some, this is a challenge. Our comprehensive guide on ‘Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Meals & Food Assistance in Kentucky’ aims to help those seeking food assistance.

From Louisville to Lexington and beyond, we cover a range of services, offering free Thanksgiving food baskets, community meals, and food assistance programs. Whether you need support this holiday season or are looking to lend a helping hand, our article provides all the essential information to make this Thanksgiving a time of joy and community for every Kentuckian.

How Do I Receive Help with Food

Eligibility for Thanksgiving baskets may vary, depending on the organization, however here are some of the possible factors.

  • Priority  is given to families with children and those experiencing financial difficulties, such as food insecurity.
  • If you have a referral, you have been screened and do not need any documentation.
  • You must like in a specific area, city or zip code.
  • The size of your family to properly fill your basket
  • It is best however you contact the organization directly.  Many church and food banks and pantries often distribute these holiday meals or baskets
  • If you receive help from the government ask your social worker for a referral for a food basket

Kentucky Organizations that Offer Thanksgiving Food Baskets and Meal Assistance 

Kentucky has several charities and churches that provide food baskets and holiday meals to those in need, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the availability of these services may vary by location, here are some organizations and resources you can consider contacting:

Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland: This organization operates food banks and partners with local agencies throughout Kentucky to provide food assistance. They may have information on your area’s food distribution and holiday meal programs. (270) 769-6997 or (877) 532-2767

Website: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland 

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army often provides holiday meal programs and food assistance to individuals and families in need. Please get in touch with your local Salvation Army branch to ask about their holiday meal services.  Salvation Army Kentucky

Local Churches: Many churches in Kentucky host holiday meal programs

God’s Pantry Food Bank: This food bank serves Central and Eastern Kentucky and partners with various agencies and organizations to provide food to needy people. They often have holiday-specific programs and distribution events.

Website: God’s Pantry Food Bank

Dare to Care Food Bank: Serving the Louisville metro area and surrounding counties, Dare to Care Food Bank distributes food to local agencies and organizations. They may have holiday meal programs and food distributions.

Website: Dare to Care Food Bank

Kentucky Association of Food Banks: This organization represents food banks across Kentucky and can provide information about food assistance programs and resources in various state regions.

Website: Kentucky Association of Food Banks

Meals on Wheels Programs: Some Meals on Wheels programs in Kentucky offer special holiday meal deliveries to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Contact your local Meals on Wheels program for more information.

Kentucky Churches that Give our Food Baskets, Hot Meals, and Food Assistance

Louisville Churches

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (Louisville):

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Louisville has a long history of community service. It often provides holiday meal assistance to those in need. They may host special Thanksgiving and Christmas meal events.

Website: St. Vincent de Paul Louisville

Broadway Baptist Church (Louisville):

Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville is known for its outreach programs, including holiday meal assistance. They often organize Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the community.

Website: Broadway Baptist Church

Highland Presbyterian Church (Louisville):

Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville is involved in various community outreach efforts. It may provide holiday meal assistance to those in need.

Website: Highland Presbyterian Church

Southland Christian Church (Lexington):

Southland Christian Church in Lexington is a large congregation with a strong community focus. They may offer holiday meal programs and food distribution during the holiday season.

Website: Southland Christian Church

First Baptist Church (Lexington):

First Baptist Church in Lexington is actively involved in community service. It may have programs to provide holiday meals to the less fortunate.

Website: First Baptist Church Lexington

Christ Church United Methodist (Louisville):

Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville is known for its outreach ministries. It may offer holiday meal assistance during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Website: Christ Church United Methodist

More Louisville Churches

Seventh Street Baptist Church (Louisville):

Seventh Street Baptist Church in Louisville is committed to community service. It may have holiday meal programs for those in need.

Website: Seventh Street Baptist Church

Highland Baptist Church (Louisville):

Highland Baptist Church in Louisville has a strong community presence and may offer holiday meal assistance during the holiday season.

Website: Highland Baptist Church

Beulah Presbyterian Church (Louisville):

Beulah Presbyterian Church in Louisville is involved in outreach programs and may provide holiday meal assistance to the community.

Website: Beulah Presbyterian Church

Don’t hesitate to contact these churches directly or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information on their holiday meal assistance programs. Additionally, you can inquire about specific dates and eligibility criteria for receiving assistance.

Don’t hesitate to contact these churches directly or visit their websites to verify the availability of their holiday meal assistance programs, as details may change from year to year. Additionally, inquire about specific eligibility requirements and distribution dates if you plan to seek assistance.

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Additional Churches that Help with Meals and Thanksgiving Baskets

First Presbyterian Church (Louisville):

First Presbyterian Church in Louisville has a strong tradition of community service. It may offer holiday meal programs during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Website: First Presbyterian Church Louisville

St. John’s United Methodist Church (Lexington):

St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lexington may host holiday meal events and assist individuals and families in need during the holiday season.

Website: St. John’s United Methodist Church

Fern Creek United Methodist Church (Louisville):

Fern Creek United Methodist Church in Louisville is known for its outreach programs. It may have holiday meal assistance for the community.

Website: Fern Creek United Methodist Church

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church (Louisville):

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Louisville may organize special holiday meal events and assist those in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Website: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

Green County Churches

Green County Baptist Association:

As an association of Baptist churches, they may coordinate Thanksgiving food assistance programs in partnership with local member churches.

Contact: (270) 932-5561

First Baptist Church of Greensburg:

First Baptist Church in Greensburg may organize Thanksgiving food distribution events to help those in need during the holiday season.

  • 200 W Court St, Greensburg, KY 42743
  • (270) 932-5251

St. Joseph Catholic Church:

St. Joseph Catholic Church may provide Thanksgiving food baskets and assistance to individuals and families in the Catholic community.

  • 300 W Court St, Greensburg, KY 42743
  • (270) 932-7322

Bolling Green County

Hillvue Heights Church:

Hillvue Heights Church is known for its community involvement and may offer Thanksgiving food baskets and assistance during the holiday season.

  • 3219 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
  • (270) 842-0012

Website: Hillvue Heights Church

Living Hope Baptist Church:

Living Hope Baptist Church is active in community service and may provide Thanksgiving food assistance to individuals and families in need.

  • 1805 Westen St, Bowling Green, KY 42104
  • (270) 782-0702

Website: Living Hope Baptist Church

Christ Episcopal Church:

Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green may participate in local food assistance programs and holiday food distributions, including Thanksgiving.

  • 1215 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
  • (270) 843-6563

Website: Christ Episcopal Church

Harlan County

Harlan Baptist Church:

This Church may participate in Thanksgiving food drives and provide food assistance to individuals and families in the Harlan community.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

First Christian Church in Harlan may organize Thanksgiving food distributions and outreach programs during the holiday season.

  • 201 E Mound St, Harlan, KY 40831
  • 606) 573-1817

Harlan County Community Action Agency:

This Community Action Agency often runs food assistance programs and may provide Thanksgiving meal assistance to low-income individuals and families.

Paducah County Churches

First Baptist Church (Paducah):

Broadway United Methodist Church:

Broadway United Methodist Church in Paducah often participates in Thanksgiving food drives and may provide food assistance to individuals and families in need.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church:

St. Thomas More Catholic Church may offer Thanksgiving food assistance and outreach programs to the Catholic community in Paducah.

Paducah Cooperative Ministry (PCM):

PCM is a local nonprofit organization that provides food assistance, including Thanksgiving meals, to individuals and families in need in the Paducah area.

First Baptist Church

In Paducah is committed to serving its community. It may have holiday meal assistance programs for those in need.

Website: First Baptist Church Paducah

Wayne County Churches that Help with Holiday Meals and Food Baskets

Baptist Church of Hazard:

First Baptist Church of Hazard may participate in Thanksgiving food drives and assist individuals and families in the Hazard area.

  • 163 E Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
  • (606) 436-3171

Website: First Baptist Church of Hazard

Cornerstone Community Church:

Cornerstone Community Church may organize Thanksgiving food distributions and outreach programs to help those in need in the Perry County community.

  • 1127 Morton Blvd, Hazard, KY 41701
  • (606) 436-9405

Website: Cornerstone Community Church

Hazard Presbyterian Church:

Hazard Presbyterian Church may offer Thanksgiving food assistance and outreach programs to individuals and families in Hazard.

  • 102 E Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
  • 606) 439-6004

Other Kentucky Churches that Help with Food Baskets or Holiday Meals

Living Faith Baptist Church (Bowling Green):

Living Faith Baptist Church in Bowling Green may offer holiday meal programs and food distribution initiatives during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Website: Living Faith Baptist Church

Greensburg Baptist Church:

Denomination: Baptist

  • 301 N Main St, Greensburg, KY 42743
  • (270) 932-5510

Greensburg United Methodist Church:

Denomination: United Methodist

  • 110 W Court St, Greensburg, KY 42743
  • (270) 932-6000

Green County Baptist Association:

Denomination: Baptist (Association of Baptist Churches)

  • 308 W Main St, Greensburg, KY 42743
  •  (270) 932-5561

Greensburg Church of the Nazarene:

Church of the Nazarene

  • 31 Bluebird Ln, Greensburg, KY 42743
  • (270) 932-5061

St. Lawrence Catholic Church (Lawrenceburg):

St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceburg may host special holiday meal events and assist individuals and families during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Website: St. Lawrence Catholic Church

Grace at Calvary Church (Bowling Green):

Grace at Calvary Church in Bowling Green is committed to serving its community and may have holiday meal assistance programs for those in need.

Website: Grace at Calvary Church

As always, contacting these churches to confirm the availability of holiday meal assistance programs and to inquire about specific eligibility criteria, distribution dates, and other details is essential. Additionally, please note that the locations of some of these churches may be in nearby cities or areas near the Kentucky border.

Why Thanksgiving Baskets

Giving food baskets to low-income neighbors is a compassionate and practical way to support needy individuals and families.  It also says, I know you are struggling financially, and I care.  Giving food baskets fosters a sense of community and solidarity.  It shows low-income neighbors that they are not alone and that others in the community care about their well-being. This can be especially uplifting during holidays or tough economic times.

This act of kindness can positively impact the emotional and psychological well-being of those who receive this gift. Knowing that others care can boost morale, especially in hardship.  In summary, giving food baskets to low-income neighbors is a meaningful way to address immediate needs, foster community spirit, promote health and well-being, and inspire further acts of kindness and support.

In Conclusion

These charitable efforts reflect the spirit of compassion and community that defines the holiday season.  While specific information about these programs may change over time, the dedication of local churches, religious institutions, food banks, and community service organizations to alleviate hunger and ensure everyone can enjoy the holidays is unwavering.

If you or someone you know needs assistance during the holidays, please get in touch with these local resources, as they are often ready to lend a helping hand and make the season brighter for those facing food insecurity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our neighbors’ lives and strengthen community bonds during this time of year.