A Grayson County Middle School student has taken the initiative to help fight hunger in Grayson County.
Taking action to advocate for others, Daniel Ratley is using his platform as a participant in the Youth Kentucky Advocacy Program to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Grayson County. He spent two months last fall researching state and local issues, understanding government policy systems and creating tangible advocacy work.
After completing his research, Daniel chose to support the work of the Grayson County Alliance (GCA), writing a proclamation for Hunger Free Awareness Week (January 22-28), which was signed by Grayson County Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson.
Daniel, along with GCA Executive Director Debbie Childress, are asking Grayson County residents, businesses, and leaders to wear orange on January 26 in recognition of Hunger Free KY Day.
“It encourages me to have young adults step up and lead on such a serious issue as hunger,” Childress beamed.
Daniel, the son of Clay and Beth Ratley, is no stranger to the food pantry, as he regularly volunteers at GCA. In 2020, he donated one of his Free Little Library stations to be used as an emergency food box outside the food pantry, allowing clients access to emergency food packs when the pantry was closed.
He also takes time to serve as a volunteer throughout the school year and assists with fundraising events at GCA.
Each year, GCA has issued a call for an “Orange Out” during the Hunger Free KY Day at the state Capitol. On this day, hunger advocates speak with legislators and rally with Kentucky leaders to promote the state level programs fighting hunger, Childress said.
Farms to Food Banks
According to Feeding Kentucky, which supports the seven-member food banks that serve all 120 Kentucky counties in partnership with a network of over 800 local food pantries and shelters, Farms to Food Banks is a key element in the battle for food security in Kentucky.
Farms to Food Banks helps ensure that Kentuckians have access to produce grown in the commonwealth, and in 2021, Childress said the program provided more than 3.3 million pounds of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables to our neighbors at risk of hunger.
“That is enough to supplement half a plate full of fruits and vegetables for 5.6 million meals. In addition to fresh produce, more than 68,000 pounds of frozen meat products, 40,000 dozen eggs, and 7,000 pounds of cheese were also distributed,” Childress stated.
Since 2011, over 11 million pounds of fresh produce from over 800 farmers in 85 counties have been distributed to hungry Kentuckians in all 120 counties.
The funding for this program is requested each budget cycle as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s budget.
As a member of Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, GCA knows the value of fresh produce for the community. Last year through various programs, GCA distributed an astounding 43,491 pounds of produce in Grayson County.
“Produce is often the one item left out of a family’s cart at the grocery. The extra cost and short shelf life makes it one of the last foods households purchase,” Childress said. “We are thrilled to help families in the fight against hunger by having these special food distributions as often as possible.”
Childress said she is confident there will be fewer individuals who need food support, as the community continues to partner with GCA.
“GCA strives to meet our mission of feeding, teaching, and empowering families every day. Wear orange on January 26 and post your photos on social media showing your support using #hungerfreeKY22,” Childress said.
To learn more how you can help visit gc-alliance.com, email them at info@gc-alliance.com or call 270-259-4000.
(Headline photo l-r: GCA Exec. Director Debbie Childress, GC Judge-Exec. Kevin Henderson, Daniel Ratley)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
