Kentucky Summer Food Service Program increases meals provided in 2024 and celebrates Summer Hunger Hero

(FRANKFORT, KY) –The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), No Kid Hungry and Feeding Kentucky came together to recognize the work of the Summer Hunger Heroes and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) on July 18.

In June, No Kid Hungry announced 10 Summer Hunger Heroes for their outstanding commitment to children’s summer hunger relief. This includes expanding summer meals in rural communities and helping set the new Summer EBT program in motion.

One of the honorees was Cathy Gallagher, manager of the Summer Food Service Program at KDE. She works to provide support and resources for the staff behind the scenes who make the summer meals happen for Kentucky students.

“I’m very honored to receive this award from No Kid Hungry. In Kentucky, our goal is to ensure that a summer meal opportunity is provided for every child in Kentucky in need of one,” said Gallagher.

SFSP, administered through the KDE, has served more than 3.9 million meals in May and June of 2024, a 51.65% increase in meals served compared to the same two months in 2023. KDE works closely with these programs as they are an advocacy organization working to combat food insecurity.

“Cathy and her team have created a culture of ‘yes’ for Kentucky summer sponsors and the positive ripple effects are felt across the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher.

Gallagher was nominated by Feeding Kentucky, who said she is an unwavering supporter of Kentucky kids and their families and is the ultimate cheerleader for the people behind the scenes who make summer meals happen for kids.

“We know we can’t end hunger alone and are grateful to partner with Cathy Gallagher and her team at the Kentucky Department of Education,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “Dedicated folks like this help ensure that every child’s summer is filled with the nourishment they deserve.”

Chuck Scofield, executive vice president of No Kid Hungry, said the organization is proud to honor Gallagher.

“It is through the energy and commitment of heroes like Cathy Gallagher that the promise of No Kid Hungry can become a reality. Hunger is a solvable problem, but it is through action that transformation takes place – and Cathy is making that happen,” said Chuck Scofield. “Her efforts to ensure that Kentucky’s kids get the food they need to grow up healthy and thrive are exceptional. Kentucky’s children couldn’t ask for a better champion.”

Summer Food Service Program sites like the one at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) provide thousands of meals to Kentucky children in the summer. Photo by Crystal Sicard, Kentucky Department of Education, July 18, 2024

KDE partners with more than 170 school districts and community organizations to offer nutritious meals, recreational fun and educational activities while school is out of session at more than 2,000 sites across the Commonwealth. Meals are provided to children 18 and under.

“Unfortunately, some students may find it difficult to get a nutritious and healthy meal during the summer months,” said Fletcher. “Having these programs in place is highly important to connect children with the meals they need while school is out.”

Frankfort High School serves about 14,000 meals weekly with the Summer Food Service Program.

With recent congressional changes to the SFSP, Kentucky’s program operators are offering more ways than ever before to reach kids through group meal sites for children and to-go and delivered meals in rural communities.

The average daily attendance at feeding sites also increased: more than 25,000 people were served daily in May and more than 121,000 people were served per day in June, marking increases of 33.67% in May and 27.14% in June. The number of sites offering meals also has increased by nearly 7% from 2023. The meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

“Recent federal program regulation changes provided an opportunity to reach more children with summer meals,” said Lauren Moore, director of the Division of School and Community Nutrition at KDE. “Cathy has led our summer team and dedicated sponsors across the state to maximize this opportunity for Kentucky’s children.”