Bowling Green, KY, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green schools partner with Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland to address food insecurity. A $130,000 USDA grant will improve nutrition options in schools, while a new 12,000 sq ft FAKH hub will enhance food distribution efforts. Community events like Hunger Action Day and Restaurant Week aim to raise awareness and support local initiatives. Over 210,000 children in Kentucky face food insecurity, and these initiatives seek to provide better access to nutritious food for families in need.
Bowling Green schools and Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH) have launched new initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity among children and families in the region, where over 210,000 children face food insecurity across the state of Kentucky.
The Bowling Green Independent School District is taking significant steps to address this issue through the support of grants and community partnerships. Dalla Emerson, the Director of Food Service Operations, is leading efforts to enhance nutrition options in elementary schools. Recently, the district received a nearly $130,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to increase the variety of fruits and vegetables provided to elementary students.
This funding is particularly important as it targets schools that meet specific eligibility criteria—schools must have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced price meals. Four of the district’s five elementary schools have previously qualified, and Potter Grey has been added this year. With the grant, the schools will be able to introduce less common fruits and vegetables, such as star fruit and dragon fruit, with each school receiving around $50 per student for these healthy food initiatives.
In addition to the efforts at individual schools, FAKH is expanding its food acquisition and distribution capabilities with a new 12,000 square-foot hub located at 182 Ambassador Dr. in Bowling Green. This facility aims to serve families across Warren County and its surrounding 42-county service area, further strengthening community support against food insecurity.
This expansion comes after FAKH successfully distributed over 20 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2025, equivalent to about 17 million meals. In Warren County alone, more than 21,000 individuals face food insecurity, including approximately 6,000 children. Through this new hub, FAKH intends to enhance partnerships with regional retailers to help reduce food waste and improve the availability of fresh food items to needy families.
FAKH also plans to commemorate the opening of the new facility with a Hunger Action Day event on September 9. Additionally, the community will participate in the 11th annual Empty Bowls event on March 6, aiming to raise awareness about food insecurity. Participants will enjoy soup and receive handcrafted bowls made by local artisans and students, with the proceeds benefiting local organizations such as HOTEL INC and Warren County Schools.
Continuing community engagement, Bowling Green’s second annual Restaurant Week will feature 26 participating restaurants donating 10% of their sales to the Brown Bag Food Project. These initiatives include notable local establishments like Call of the Canyon Cafe, Easystreet Cafe, and Beckett’s Burger Bar, aiming to unite the community and bolster local businesses while addressing the critical issue of food insecurity.
These collaborative efforts reflect a broader goal of reducing food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food for children and families in Bowling Green and the surrounding areas.
FAQ Section
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It affects millions of children and families, especially in regions with economic challenges.
How many children in Kentucky face food insecurity?
Over 210,000 children in Kentucky experience food insecurity, making it one of the states with the highest rates of affected children.
What is the purpose of the USDA grant?
The USDA grant of nearly $130,000 aims to increase the variety of fruits and vegetables available in elementary schools to foster healthier eating habits among students.
How can the community get involved in combating food insecurity?
The community can participate through events such as the Empty Bowls dinner and Restaurant Week, or by volunteering with local food banks and organizations like Feeding America.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Population | Children facing food insecurity |
| USDA Grant Amount | $130,000 |
| New FAKH Hub Size | 12,000 square feet |
| Successful Food Distribution | Over 20 million pounds in fiscal year 2025 |
| Total Food Insecure in Warren County | Over 21,000 individuals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Schools to Receive Fresh Fruit Program Funding
Bowling Green, Kentucky Expands Food Distribution Efforts
Bowling Green Expands Food Support with New Feeding America Hub
New Hub Facility to Combat Food Insecurity in Bowling Green
New Warren Elementary School Opens in Bowling Green, KY
Stuff the Bus Foundation Provides School Supplies to Students
Warren County Schools Support Families with Stuff the Bus Program
Local Initiatives in Bowling Green Support Students with School Supplies
Bowling Green Prepares for Extreme Heat Advisory
Bowling Green Celebrates Record Economic Growth
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland Announces New Bowling Green Food Distribution Hub
- Kentucky Today: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland to Open Bowling Green Hub
- BG Daily News: Empty Bowls Returns March 6
- Google Search: Food Insecurity Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
