Feed the Hunger has a new partner! Woo hoo!* Nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky is the small county of Magoffin. Now before you say, “that’s nice” or you move on to something else, give me a couple of minutes to share with you about our new friends. I know that you are going to like them too!
Here are a few stats on Magoffin County†:
- Population: a little over 13,050
- Unemployment rate: 16% (highest in Kentucky)
- 30.1% of people live below the poverty level
- 41.3% of children live below the poverty level
- Third and fourth generation on welfare
- 38% of people receive less than a high school education
- 39% of adults report poor health
- Teen birth rate (ages 15–19, per 1,000): 68
- Mental health problems, intimate partner violence, and substance abuse reported at high levels
- Only 19.2% of the population consume five or more fruits and vegetables per day
- 14% of the adult population has diabetes
- People per primary care physician: 13,331
†Information provided by the Magoffin County Health Department and the University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.
As you look at the above stats, you have to say to yourself, “wow”. I know I did! (If you didn’t say “wow”, please read over the stats again slowly and try to visualize it.)
Magoffin County is filled with people hurting in all areas of their lives. Is it a hopeless situation? Absolutely not! The Cooperative Extension Service of Magoffin County, five public schools, and the Koinonia Missions Center are working hard to help those in great need. And guess what? Feed the Hunger is right there beside them, helping them feed children and families who are greatly hurting. We are honored to be friends and partners in sharing the love of Christ in this small county. Woo hoo! I love new friends!
What about you? Do you like my new friends? If so, come and join us for a trip to Magoffin County and I will introduce you to some great people. If you can’t travel to Kentucky, then come join us at the All-American Packathon taking place throughout the month of July in Burlington, NC. Some of the food packed at that event will be going to Kentucky.
Can I hear another woo hoo?!
*”woo hoo” is an expression of delight.
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.
Proverbs 19:17
Melinda Staples | Project Manager
