During the Woodford County Fiscal Court meeting on September 23, 2025, significant discussions centered around the increasing demand for food assistance in the community, as highlighted by the local food pantry's recent report. Ashley, the food pantry director, shared that the number of heads of household served has surged from 166 in May to 214 in September, reflecting a growing need among residents facing food insecurity.

The report detailed various initiatives undertaken by the food pantry, including successful food drives that brought in over 6,000 pounds of food during the postal drive and nearly 3,200 pounds during a recent hunger awareness event. These efforts are crucial, especially during months when food supplies typically dwindle. Ashley emphasized the importance of community support, noting that local churches play a vital role in food distribution and outreach.

In addition to food drives, the pantry is expanding its capacity to store food, particularly meat, which has been a significant expense. A grant application for $20,000 is underway to help cover beef distribution costs, and a matching donation campaign is also in progress, aiming to raise an additional $25,000.

The Fiscal Court also approved the transfer of a surplus scale from the Solid Waste and Recycling department to the food pantry, which will aid in managing food inventory more effectively. This gesture underscores the collaborative efforts within the county to address food insecurity.

As the food pantry continues to adapt and respond to the rising needs of the community, upcoming events, such as a turkey drive for the holiday season, are planned to ensure families have access to essential food items during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The meeting concluded with a strong message of gratitude towards community members for their ongoing support and involvement in combating hunger in Woodford County.