Editor's note: A previous version of this story stated veterans needing food insecurity resources should call the VA Medical Center. That information is incorrect. Social workers actually identify those with needs. The VA Medical Center instead encourages people and organizations to volunteer their time and resources toward helping veterans. The public can reach Voluntary Services at vhalouvavs@va.gov or by calling 502-287-6221.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without turkey, dressing and all the other fixings. This year, some local veterans don’t have to worry where that food will come from.
The people making sure 300 veterans can fill their plates with everything they need for their Thanksgiving meal are two Louisville groups dedicated to serving veterans who once served the country: the VA Medical Center in Louisville and the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) Louisville Chapter.
They partnered up for the second year to help veterans avoid not having a meal to eat. Nathan Bellows serves as the community outreach director of VAREP.
“We got medium turkeys, large turkeys and turkey breasts,” said Bellows.
Since 2018, Bellows has represented VAREP. Bellows feels called to thank each veteran coming, because he’s been deployed and is currently serving his 13 years in the Kentucky National Guard, knows exactly what these veterans are facing.
“I’ve seen it firsthand and I know what it’s like to be that person that needs help and not wanting to say ‘hey, I need help’. But it’s perfectly OK and acceptable,” said Bellows.
Bellows represents an organization helping with veteran housing. Nearly 10 volunteers will help him for the turkey giveaway including Suzanne Harrett, Chief of Voluntary Services of the VA Medical Center in Louisville.
“The reaction has been wonderful. The patients have really appreciated the turkeys. They’ve been very excited, many of them have come here for appointments for chemotherapy and physical therapy and they’ve been pleasantly surprised they’ve been able to receive a free turkey,” said Harrett.
It’s simple—veterans who are on food assistance or receiving treatment at the hospital can drive up and get the turkey, or they can walk up like Robert Davis did, an Army veteran of 15 years.
“I feel blessed because I was looking around and things are kinda quite expensive. I feel blessed to have this turkey,” said Davis.
While Davis is just one of 300 veterans receiving a turkey. According to Feed America, nearly 11% of America’s veterans face food insecurity. Bellows says it takes notice of a problem first.
“Furthermore, your brothers and sisters expect you to self identify and ask for help when you need it,” said Bellows.
Bellows says it’s the least they can do when veterans continue to lay their life on the line. Fort Knox Commissary was able to donate the turkeys and every veteran that received one was able to get canned goods to make a full meal.