Aaron McNeil House is trying to meet a steep increase in demand for food assistance, a trend that executive director Kurt Anderson attributes to the phasing out of pandemic relief programs such as eviction suspensions and extra food stamp allotments.
“In the last six months, the demand has increased about 40%,” said Anderson.
Board members and others affiliated with Aaron McNeil, a crisis relief agency, are asking for donations of specific types of canned food that are not currently available through Feeding America, a main source for Aaron McNeil.
The agency’s in-house pantry needs canned peas, mixed vegetables and pasta, such as ravioli. Four-roll toilet paper packs are also needed.
A household in need may receive an allotment of food from the Aaron McNeil pantry once every 60 days. Anderson said the pantry serves 140 to 160 households per month.
How to help
What: Canned peas, mixed vegetables and ravioli donations are needed for the pantry
When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Where: Aaron McNeil House, 604 E. Second St., Hopkinsville
How: Arrange a drop-off time by calling 270-886-9734
Food distribution
The pantry provides one line of distribution and arranges for the largest local delivery via a Feeding America shipment that arrives montly at the Western Kentucky State Fairgrounds on a tractor-trailer. Each household, averaging three people, receives at least 25 pounds of food.
The Feeding America truck brings commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A family typically receives canned fruit, vegetables and meats, along with staples such as macaroni and cheese. Seasonally, they may also receive fresh fruits and vegetables.
At the last distribution in October, 766 households (or roughly 2,200 individuals) received commodities.
The fairgrounds distribution is usually on the second Saturday of the month; although the next date is Nov. 18 because of a scheduling conflict with the fairgrounds.
Anderson tracks usage by logging the address and number of people in each household, along with the name of the head of household. The distribution begins at 8 a.m., but volunteers arrive earlier to start filling boxes with food.
When Anderson and his wife arrive around 5:30 a.m., they find 30 or so cars already in line to receive the commodities. Some of the families tell Anderson they arrive as early as 3 a.m.
Aaron McNeil began providing commodities in 2011. Initially this happened at the Second Street office, but logistics limited the distribution to about 200 households. The pickup site at the fairgrounds about 10 years ago made it possible to expand the program.
Feeding America does not charge Aaron McNeil for the food. The agency pays $200 for the delivery, which Anderson says is a bargain since the truck brings as much as 15,000 pounds of food.
Anderson said one of the biggest misconceptions about the commodity distribution is the financial condition of the families who come for food. He estimates that 90% of the households have a reliable source of income. The problem for most is the fact that their money doesn’t stretch far enough for the groceries they need after paying other bills. He estimates 70% of the families have children.
“It’s the entire demographic. You will see everybody here,” Anderson said.
Crisis relief
Aaron McNeil also provides financial assistance for families who are in a crisis and occasionally cannot pay their rent and utilities. The utility program includes electric, gas and water — and internet, if access is necessary for educational or medical purposes.
The agency’s relief is based on crisis, not income. So families that are affected by layoffs in local plants are encouraged to contact Aaron McNeil to see if they qualify for help during times when money is tight.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
