Bowling Green, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green’s Menards store has initiated a food drive to address local food insecurity, allowing residents to donate canned goods for distribution to local food pantries. The drive, running until the end of October, aims to support the over 21,000 residents in Warren County who lack regular access to food. Menards’ general manager emphasized the importance of community collaboration, as they also plan a toy drive for December. Local organizations are joining efforts, showcasing community commitment to fighting hunger.
Bowling Green Initiates Food Drive to Address Local Food Insecurity
In Bowling Green, Menards store has launched a food drive aimed at combating food insecurity within the local community. The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that over 21,000 residents in Warren County, representing more than 15% of the population, lack regular access to food as of 2023.
The food drive, which will run through the end of October 2023, allows community members to contribute by donating canned goods that will be distributed to local food pantries. Menards hopes that this effort will assist those experiencing food insecurity, an issue that affects more than 750,000 residents throughout Kentucky as of 2023.
Steve Hendricks, the general manager of Menards, noted that the store typically organizes one or two fundraisers annually, but this year’s food drive is particularly crucial. Tanner Robinson, the assistant manager, highlighted their commitment to reaching out to diverse communities, ensuring that the program impacts various segments of the local population.
Menards, which has been operating in the Bowling Green area for just over a year, values the support it has received from the community and recognizes the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing issues like food insecurity. The store carries a wide range of products, including groceries, which facilitates donation opportunities directly on-site. Customers are encouraged to purchase groceries during the food drive and can also receive an 11% rebate on those purchases.
Alongside the food drive, Menards is planning to host a toy drive in December 2023, which signifies the store’s ongoing commitment to community welfare.
Supporting Local Food Distribution Efforts
In addition to initiatives by Menards, First Christian Church of Bowling Green is organizing a monthly drive-thru community meal and food distribution event. Scheduled to take place on Fridays from 5-6 p.m. at 875 Haskins Road, this event offers meals, groceries, toiletries, breads, and pastries at no cost to participants.
This community support initiative aims to assist individuals facing food insecurity. Food bag distributions will be supported by St. Thomas More University Parish and BG Christian Food Pantry, helping to further extend the reach of food assistance in the region. First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Church are also contributing to the toiletries pantry for this month’s distribution.
Additionally, volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are stepping up to assist with the execution of the event, including meal and food bag distributions. The combined efforts of local organizations reflect a strong community commitment to addressing the ongoing challenge of food insecurity.
Conclusion
Efforts from Menards and local churches highlight the collaborative community approach needed to combat food insecurity in Bowling Green. As the food drive continues through the end of October, residents are encouraged to support this initiative in any way they can to help ensure that all individuals have access to necessary food resources.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Menards food drive?
The food drive runs through the end of October 2023.
How many residents in Warren County lack regular access to food?
Warren County has over 21,000 residents lacking regular access to food as of 2023, representing more than 15% of the population.
What is the purpose of the food drive at Menards?
The food drive at Menards will involve collecting canned goods to distribute to local food pantries.
How can customers participate in the food drive?
Customers are encouraged to purchase groceries during the food drive and can receive an 11% rebate on those purchases.
Key Features of the Menards Food Drive
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Menards, Bowling Green |
| Duration | Through the end of October 2023 |
| Goal | Combat local food insecurity through community donations |
| Community Impact | Over 21,000 residents in Warren County affected |
| Donation method | Collecting canned goods for local food pantries |
| Incentives for Participation | 11% rebate on grocery purchases during the food drive |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: Menards Hosts Food Bank Month
- WBKO: Bowling Green Menards Hosts Food Drive Benefiting Local Organization
- BG Daily News: Cereal Box Campaign
- Google Search: Food Insecurity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
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.
