The NKY Food Support Fund is a new fund created to help neighbors and students in need affected by the ongoing government shutdown and the disruption of federal SNAP benefits.
Created by the Horizon Community Foundation, the fund is mobilizing quickly to provide immediate relief by utilizing partnerships and systems developed during the pandemic.
Through the NKY Coronavirus Relief Fund, Horizon raised $2.1 million and helped more than 85,000 Northern Kentuckians in need. Those same networks—with food pantries, schools, and funding partners—are being reactivated to ensure food assistance reaches local families and neighbors as swiftly as possible, according to a release from the foundation.
“The silver lining of the pandemic was that we learned how to move fast,” President and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation Nancy Grayson said in the release. “We built trusted partnerships and efficient systems to get food directly to those who needed it most. Now, we’re putting that experience back to work for our community.”
Horizon will again collaborate with local food pantries and schools for food distribution. In addition, the foundation is partnering with Educate NKY to ensure that river city schools are supported with food for students and families in need.
“Our schools go above and beyond every day, but hungry children can’t focus on learning,” President and CEO of Educate NKY Cheye Calvo said in the release. “In these extraordinary times, schools need help. It’s up to us in Northern Kentucky to ensure no child goes without food and every student has what they need to grow, learn, and thrive.”
The city of Covington has also taken action to support this effort. Covington Mayor Ron Washington made a motion for the city to direct $10,000 to the Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky, to be allocated toward the Northern Kentucky Food Support Fund. The board of commissioners unanimously approved the motion, ensuring that these funds will specifically help Covington residents impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“Hunger is a nonpartisan issue,” said Washington. “It doesn’t discriminate by neighborhood, background, or circumstance, and it can touch any Covington household. This is a time for quick, decisive action.”
Community members and donors who wish to support the NKY Food Support Fund can give through their donor-advised fund or make a direct gift through Horizon Community Foundation.
To contribute or learn more, click here.