As families across Kentucky gather throughout the holiday season, some of the best memories are made around the dinner table. But that isn’t the reality for all, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits showed the vulnerability that many Kentucky families face. Even before the government shutdown, No Kid Hungry research showed that 1 in 3 parents living on low-incomes worried about running out of food. Many families are navigating tighter budgets, and for the millions of children who depend on school meals for reliable nutrition, the holiday season, a time associated with abundance, can be a stressful time.
It doesn’t have to be this way and that’s where we all come in. In this urgent time, kids and families deserve better and we all have a role to play in this work. When we pitch in to help as a community, we can make sure every kid gets the healthy food they need this holiday season and every day.
As we look to 2026, we’re inspired to imagine new ways we can collaborate to expand access for kids. Whether that’sadding a new summer meals site, promoting Summer EBT, or working together to protect SNAP, we’re in this together.
We are deeply grateful for our partners and everyone working to combat childhood hunger – schools, community organizations, state agencies and volunteers – whose dedication makes this work possible. Your efforts and commitment ensure children and families have the support they need, especially during times of uncertainty. Thank you for showing up, strengthening our collective efforts, and helping build a future where every child has reliable access to healthy food.
Thank you for all your work in 2025 to help ensure kids have the meals they need to thrive. We’re excited to continue this mission together in 2026! To see some of the moments that inspired us in 2025, check out some of the stories that made kids, families and us smile. No Kid Hungry Top Smiles 2025
