Programs providing meals to food-insecure west Kentuckians will continue to offer services as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens in the commonwealth.
Many food banks and senior citizens’ centers in the region work through the Purchase Area Development District. PADD Executive Director Jeremy Buchanan said most facilities are canceling in-person dining services in favor of drive-by or delivery methods. He said that shouldn’t stop clients from seeking out services.
“If there’s a senior that needs a meal, they need to contact their senior citizens center and they should be able to get that,” Buchanan said.
Soup kitchens are also moving to suspend congregate dining. Marcella’s Kitchen in Benton provides hot meals to residents of Marshall County and the surrounding areas. Founder Marcella Perkins said services will continue throughout the duration of the pandemic.
“We have shut our dining room down,” Perkins said. “But we are sending meals out the front door.”
Perkins said her team is preparing packaged meals that can be picked up during normal dining hours. Volunteers are also delivering meals to homebound clients
“Our friends here in Marshall County are not going without any food,” she added.
Perkins said her volunteers and staff are taking precautions to avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus. She said they are all monitored for symptoms, including a temperature check. The new operating methods also help to prevent contact with clients.
Perkins said the precautionary measures, including the dining hall closure, were done voluntarily. She said her organization is not required to follow the order by Governor Andy Beshear closing all restaurants, but she chose to do so in order to protect the community.
Other soup kitchens are joining Perkins in suspending in-person dining. Community Kitchen of Paducah is preparing meals to be picked up by clients. Murray-based Soup for the Soul is doing the same.
Those in need of anti-hunger services can find a full list of senior centers and food banks below:
Food Bank Listing 3.2020 by Dalton York on Scribd
Purchase Area Senior Centers by Dalton York on Scribd
