Bowling Green, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Menards in Bowling Green is conducting a food drive to address food insecurity impacting over 21,000 residents in Warren County. The drive allows patrons to purchase groceries in-store for donation, with collected items going to local food pantries. The initiative emphasizes community support and aims to alleviate hunger. Menards plans to continue these efforts into December with a toy drive for families. Local organizations also contribute by hosting community meals, highlighting a collective approach to combat food scarcity in the region.
Bowling Green Launches Food Drive to Combat Food Insecurity
Menards in Bowling Green is conducting a food drive to address local food insecurity, which affects over 21,000 residents in Warren County, representing more than 15% of the population. This initiative is part of a community fundraising effort aimed at providing critical support to those in need.
The food drive is ongoing until the end of October, allowing patrons to purchase groceries directly at the Menards store for donation. Collected canned goods will be distributed to nearby food pantries, a fundamental part of the campaign designed to alleviate hunger in the area. The general manager of Menards, Steve Hendricks, noted that the store typically hosts one or two community fundraisers each year as a means to give back to the community.
In Kentucky, over 750,000 individuals are currently struggling to find enough food, which emphasizes the necessity of initiatives like this. As part of this drive, Tanner Robinson, the assistant manager, highlighted efforts to engage various communities to maximize impact.
Details of the Food Drive
The food drive at Menards is set to run until the end of October. Individuals wishing to contribute can purchase necessary groceries in-store, which will then be donated to support local food banks and pantries. Alongside the food drive, Menards is also planning a toy drive to take place in December to further assist families during the holiday season.
Local Food Assistance Initiatives
In addition to Menards’ efforts, other organizations in Bowling Green are addressing food insecurity. The First Christian Church of Bowling Green is hosting a monthly drive-thru community meal and food distribution for those in need. This event occurs every Friday from 5-6 p.m. at 875 Haskins Road, providing participants with a free meal, groceries, toiletries, breads, and pastries.
The essentials for the drive-thru meals are being supplied by St. Thomas More University Parish, Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry, and various local churches. Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assist with the distribution of meals and food bags. The Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry, which has served the local community for more than 40 years, is currently facing challenges due to the pandemic, inflation, and budget cuts. It is also participating in Meijer’s “Simply Give Campaign,” offering to match donations up to $5,000 on GoFundMe.
Conclusion
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Warren County and across Kentucky, with numerous residents lacking access to sufficient food. The ongoing food drive at Menards in Bowling Green, along with supportive efforts from local organizations, aims to combat this challenge by providing essential nourishment to those in need. Community members are encouraged to participate in these initiatives and support their neighbors facing food scarcity.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the food drive at Menards?
Menards in Bowling Green is conducting a food drive to address local food insecurity, which affects over 21,000 residents in Warren County. The drive is aimed at providing critical support to those in need.
How long will the food drive last?
The food drive is ongoing until the end of October, allowing patrons to purchase groceries directly at the Menards store for donation.
What other initiatives are taking place in Bowling Green?
The First Christian Church of Bowling Green is hosting a monthly drive-thru community meal and food distribution every Friday from 5-6 p.m. Participants can receive a free meal, groceries, toiletries, breads, and pastries.
What challenges are local food pantries facing?
The Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry, serving the community for over 40 years, is facing challenges due to the pandemic, inflation, and budget cuts.
Key Features of the Food Drive and Initiatives
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Food Insecurity Impact in Warren County | Over 21,000 residents lack regular access to food, representing more than 15% of the population. |
| Duration of Food Drive | Ongoing until the end of October. |
| Additional Community Support | Monthly drive-thru community meal provided by First Christian Church, every Friday from 5-6 p.m. |
| Volunteers | Assistance from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and local churches. |
| Challenges for Local Food Pantries | Facing difficulties due to the pandemic, inflation, and budget cuts. |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green Menards Hosts Food Drive
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- WBKO: Video on Bowling Green Menards Food Drive
- Google Search: Food Pantry Initiatives Kentucky
- Spectrum News: WCPS Hosts Food Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Supported Agriculture
- Sentinel-Tribune: First Christian Church Hosts Monthly Meal
- Google News: Bowling Green Food Pantry
- BG Daily News: Cereal Box Initiative
- Google Search: Local Food Pantries Challenges
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.
