Addressing Food Insecurity for Kentucky’s Queer Community: A New Approach
One in eight Americans are food insecure, according to the USDA. That means they have little or inconsistent access to an adequate amount of food. In Kentucky, a state with growing income inequality, one in seven people are food insecure.
In the queer community, the rate of food insecurity grows significantly. According to a report from the UCLA Williams Institute, 35 percent of queer people in Kentucky are food insecure.
Local organizations, like the Louisville Pride Foundation (LPF) and Lexington Pride Center, are stepping up to meet this need. The two locations are now home to secular food pantries that not only provide essential resources but also offer an affirming space where LGBTQ+ folks feel safe and supported.
The Louisville Pride Foundation’s Food Pantry
“The need for a food pantry has been a long time coming for the Pride Center,” LPF Program Manager Sydni Hampton said. “There are so many layers to why this community specifically needs one.”
LPF teamed up with Dare to Care, a well-known food bank in Kentuckiana, to create an inclusive pantry. It’s open to everyone, regardless of income or zip code, and it’s the first LGBTQ-centered and secular pantry to partner with Dare to Care. You can view open pantry dates at louprideky.org/foodpantry.
“A lot of food pantries are in religious institutions, which can be triggering for queer individuals who’ve had negative experiences with faith-based organizations,” Hampton explained. Having a non-religious, LGBTQ-affirming space allows people to seek help without the fear of judgment or past trauma being brought up.
Understanding Unique Challenges
It’s not just about food. Many LGBTQ+ Kentuckians face challenges that make it harder for them to access assistance. Hampton pointed out, “The queer community is especially affected because there’s so much intersectionality: people of color, people living in poverty, people without family support. It all adds up.”
In Lexington, Brianna McGee, who manages food programs at the Lexington Pride Center, said demand for their food pantry has surged. “We serve about 60 households per week, averaging about 175 individuals,” McGee shared. Because of the high demand, they had to start a waitlist, and she attributes much of the increased need to rising costs of living and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bigger Picture of Food Insecurity in Kentucky
Food insecurity is a major issue across Kentucky, particularly in rural areas where access to food pantries and grocery stores can be limited. Some rural counties report food insecurity rates as high as 18%, much higher than in urban areas. For LGBTQ+ individuals in these areas, the challenges are even greater due to isolation and lack of supportive services.
While the Lexington Pride Center primarily serves residents of Fayette County, McGee shared that they often have clients traveling from nearby rural areas just to access their pantry. “We’ve had clients come from neighboring counties, even if they have to drive a distance to pick up food,” she said.
Barriers to Access and Overcoming Them
For many queer people, traditional food banks can feel unwelcoming or unsafe. Since food assistance programs are often run through religious organizations, people are less likely to seek support. McGee mentioned that some clients share how relieved they are to find a place where they won’t be judged or feel out of place. “We’ve had clients tell us they feel like our pantry is the only place they can go without feeling judged,” she said.
The Lexington Pride Center also takes into account the unique needs of its community members, including those who may be homeless. “We try to give out food that’s shelf-stable and easy to use for those who don’t have a refrigerator or stove,” McGee explained.
Community Support and Volunteer Efforts
Both the Louisville Pride Foundation and the Lexington Pride Center rely heavily on volunteers and partnerships to keep their food programs running. In Louisville, LPF’s partnership with Dare to Care allows them to extend their reach and impact. In Lexington, they collaborate with God’s Pantry and Bluegrass Black Soil, which connects them with farm-fresh produce from black farmers.
McGee emphasized the importance of volunteers who help deliver food to people who can’t come to the center themselves. “Some weeks, we don’t have enough volunteers, so staff has to step in and make deliveries,” she said. Despite these challenges, the programs continue to thrive thanks to the dedication of community members who give their time to help folks who need support.
Expanding Services and Looking Ahead
Both the Louisville Pride Foundation and the Lexington Pride Center are looking toward the future with plans to expand their services. LPF hopes to launch a delivery service for people who can’t make it to the pantry, and the Lexington Pride Center is working to reduce their waitlist so they can serve more people.
In a state like Kentucky, where food insecurity is affecting more and more people, these programs are making a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in our communities. They offer not just food, but also dignity, community, and a reminder that no one should have to struggle alone.
As Hampton put it, “We’re so used to surviving all the time that we forget it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why the pantry is so important—it’s a reminder that we deserve to thrive.”