LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many Kentuckians are uncertain where their next meal will come from. According to Feeding America, approximately 16% of Kentuckians face food insecurity, which affects their health and quality of life. 

Ann Riggs is spending part of her retirement giving back to her community. 

“I volunteer here to be able to get up and get out of the house and feel useful here and the people here are great,” Riggs said.

She is one of many volunteers packing snack bags for people facing food insecurity at Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland’s annual Hunger Action Day event. 

Paige Franklin, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, said it’s important to give back to the community. 

“We are neighbors with the members that we serve and support. So being able to show up and just be a part of the work that this organization is doing, supporting our neighbors is really important to us.”

On Tuesday, the health insurance company announced a $250,000 initiative, which will focus on providing preferred food for minorities facing food insecurity. 

The funding will focus on Allen, Christian, Marion, Meade and Warren counties. 

Charles Dennis is the Executive Director of Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland and he says it’s important to meet people where they are. 

“At our international center in Bowling Green, you know, the people that they serve aren’t used to and don’t really like canned goods. And so we are partnering with, actually an international grocery store to provide, fresh produce, fresh meats, fresh grains and things of that nature that really fit the, the diet and the, that they’re used to and that they prefer,” Dennis said.

Through this partnership, each agency will provide 16,000 meals to those facing hunger each month.

Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland serves 42 counties in Kentucky and has over 250 partner agencies.