Cookout Addresses Food Insecurity and Unemployment Among Veterans

Bowling Green – A recent cookout hosted by the Veterans Alliance Center aimed to address food insecurity and unemployment among veterans. This event brought together numerous local organizations, including Good Deeds Kentucky, to provide essential resources and meals to those who have served in the military.

Statistics reveal that one in nine working-age veterans is struggling with food insecurity, according to Feeding America. This troubling trend is further highlighted by the fact that over 1.2 million low-income veterans utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cookout in Bowling Green served as a platform to not only feed local veterans but also to offer job placement assistance.

Jim Manley, a Vietnam veteran who attended the event, underscored the pressing needs faced by many veterans, noting the lack of basic necessities such as food and transportation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that more than 250,000 veterans are currently seeking employment, making such support initiatives crucial.

The event offered a complimentary lunch and provided an opportunity for camaraderie among participants. Local law enforcement, represented by a recruiting officer from the Bowling Green Police Department, emphasized the community’s gratitude towards veterans, indicating that this cookout was a much-appreciated gesture of support.

Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland also announced an expansion initiative in Bowling Green aimed at better serving families dealing with food insecurity. Set to open this year, a new 12,000-square-foot hub facility at 182 Ambassador Dr. will enhance food distribution efforts across Central and Western Kentucky. This facility’s operation will complement existing Volunteer and Distribution Centers in Elizabethtown, improving access for families, particularly in Warren County, where 21,830 individuals face food insecurity, including 6,400 children.

The expansion aims not only to provide more meals but also to create opportunities for those in need. In fiscal year 2025, Feeding America distributed 20.5 million pounds of food, equating to roughly 17 million meals for Kentucky residents. The new Bowling Green hub is expected to strengthen partnerships with regional retailers to reduce food waste and enhance the distribution of fresh food to communities in need.

The opening of the new hub coincides with a Hunger Action Day event scheduled for September 9, where the community is invited to participate and learn more about combating food insecurity. Though the operations in Elizabethtown will remain unaffected, the Bowling Green expansion is seen as a significant move toward increasing the overall impact of Feeding America in the region.

What was the purpose of the cookout in Bowling Green?

The cookout aimed to provide food and job placement resources for veterans facing food insecurity and unemployment.

How many veterans are affected by food insecurity?

One in nine working-age veterans is food insecure, as reported by Feeding America.

What new facility is Feeding America opening in Bowling Green?

Feeding America is opening a new 12,000-square-foot hub facility at 182 Ambassador Dr. to enhance food distribution across Central and Western Kentucky.

How many individuals face food insecurity in Warren County?

Approximately 21,830 individuals in Warren County face food insecurity, including 6,400 children.

What are some resources provided at the cookout?

The cookout offered free meals and job placement resources to veterans.