DAYTON, Ky. — Jenny Poe, the pantry manager at Cornerstone Christian Church in northern Kentucky, works tirelessly to ensure families receive the support they need, but recent shortages are making it harder to provide balanced meals for those in need.

“We get up at 5 a.m., get supplies, and start packing the bags for families the next day,” said Poe, who has been a member of the church for over five years. She devotes hours each week to tracking inventory and distributing food.

However, with their shelves running low, the pantry is struggling to offer variety. “We have tons of corn, but it doesn’t go together well with other items. If we could get a more balanced set of donations, it would make a big difference,” she added.

Cornerstone’s food pantry relies heavily on donations from the community and local organizations. According to Poe, 90% of their supplies come from the Free Store, a food bank in nearby Cincinnati. But recent declines in contributions have left the pantry short on critical items. “They’re a great provider, but when they don’t get donations, we don’t either,” she said.

The problem is not unique to Cornerstone Christian Church. According to Feeding America, more than 700,000 Kentuckians face food insecurity, including over 200,000 children. These numbers underline the importance of local food banks and pantries, especially during times of economic hardship.

Church pastor David Wells remains hopeful despite the challenges. “We knew when we ran short of food that if we put it in God’s hands, we’d be okay. And we have been,” he said. But both Wells and Poe emphasize that donations, now more than ever, are crucial to keep the pantry running and to continue feeding the families that rely on it.

“If you’re out there and you want to donate, please contact us. We’re always taking donations,” Poe urged. For many families in this community, the Cornerstone food pantry is more than just a meal—it’s a lifeline.