COLD SPRING, Ky. — Nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky helps families in several ways, but its biggest goal right now is addressing hunger.

What You Need To Know

  • Becca Gerding, food programs manager at St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, is spending a lot of her time these days stocking shelves for the “Food Fight Against Hunger,” a competition-style food drive

  • Last year, the nonprofit gave out $978,000 worth of food assistance to more than 30,000 in need in Northern Kentucky

  • The organization expects the need to increase this year

  • Research from nonprofit Feed the Children shows summer hunger and food insecurity can cause physical and mental health problems for kids

Becca Gerding, food programs manager, spends a lot of her time these days stocking shelves for the “Food Fight Against Hunger,” a competition-style food drive.

“We are calling local businesses, Northern Kentucky businesses, groups, organizations and teams to collect items, both non-perishable and shelf-stable, and hygiene items,” Gerding said. “The team that collects the most pounds of food is declared the winner and gets bragging rights.”

Gerding said as the school year winds down, the nonprofit is working to stock up ahead of the summer, when more families may face food insecurity due to a lack of school feeding options. 

“The need is definitely out there," Gerding said. "We’re seeing a lot of new faces. We’re seeing a lot of families, all different types of makeup, that come in to get a little extra assistance."

"With the cost of groceries and the cost of living right now, we’re just seeing more people that are having a need.”

Last year, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky gave out $978,000 worth of food assistance to more than 30,000 in need in Northern Kentucky. The organization expects the need to increase this year.

Research from nonprofit Feed the Children shows summer hunger and food insecurity can cause physical and mental health problems for kids, leading to poor educational performance when they go back to school.

Making a difference for those kids is one reason why Gerding loves her job, she said. 

“I love to give back, and I love that person-to-person connection," she said. "When people visit our pantries and use our services, we really get to have that person-to-person connection and really get to know our neighbors and be able to provide hope."

The “Food Fight Against Hunger” competition kicked off April 15 and will run through April 29. Donation drop off and weigh-ins will take place through May 5 at designated drop-off locations.

The organization will announce the winning team during the second week of May on its social media platforms. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Those interested can contact becca.gerding@svdpnky.org to register. 

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