Roughly a month before graduation, Henderson County High School senior students took on a memorable assignment.

Their class advisories, commonly known as homerooms, competed to collect the highest quantity of canned food items.

This community-focused challenge started on March 25, 2022, aligning with the Feed Seniors Now kickoff. The impactful initiative, which began in 2011, distributes food to older western Kentucky adults in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio and Webster counties.
Henderson County teacher Ginger Stovall says it brought enthusiasm and encompasses an educational aspect.

“It’s about service learning,” Stovall shared. “We plant that seed in our students to help them realize the impact they make, not only in our own building, but to know it reaches community-wide with our local citizens.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that, in 2020, more than 38 million people lived in food-insecure households.
HCHS senior student Dylan Moore helped label the paper bags and hand them out to the participating classes, along with an itemized grocery list. Moore spoke of his desire to help with diversity.

“Be as involved as possible and try to make a difference every day for many people, not just one group, such as those with different backgrounds,” Moore said. “Just like this — we’re reaching people from various socioeconomic statuses.”

Feed Seniors Now is a partnership between the Green River Area Development District, Independence Bank, Comfort Keepers, Specialty Food Groups and United Way of the Ohio Valley.

In-Home Services Manager, Amber Phelps enjoys the opportunity to be involved in this partnership and states, “Feed Seniors Now helps fill a gap for older adults who may sometimes skip meals or eat smaller portions due to financial constraints. The problem of food insecurity among senior citizens is often unseen and unaddressed. Our hope is to shed light on the issue while providing assistance to seniors in need.”

Donations of shelf-stable food items (such as canned goods, peanut butter, pasta and cereal) will be accepted until April 29, 2022, at the GRADD office and Independence Bank locations in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, or Webster Counties. Checks or cash donations are accepted at Independence Bank locations. Please make checks payable to The Independence Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 988, Owensboro, KY 42302, Attention: Feed Seniors Now. (Please designate county in the memo section). One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the food drive.

“It is impressive to see these young adults take an interest in helping,” Independence Bank Henderson Market President Jim Davis expressed. “Growing up in Henderson, I am especially honored to be Colonel knowing these efforts will help ease a bit of the pressure by providing additional resources.”

On May 4, 2022, volunteers will deliver groceries to low-income seniors in the five participating counties. It’s estimated nearly 4,000 food deliveries have been made throughout the duration of this program.
“I know they’re going to be smiling ear to ear,” Moore added. “When you’re in need and you finally get the help you’re searching for; it is such a rewarding feeling.”

After the totals were tallied up, Ms. Ginny Johnson’s students pulled out the victory. They are being awarded with a breakfast provided by the Bank and set the bar high for the future.

“Hang on to your hats and buckle up because it’s getting ready to rock and roll,” Stovall smiled. “We’re bringing twice as much next year!”

Posted April 25,2022