On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, and Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, joined Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) and God’s Pantry Food Bank for the launch of Thrive Together, a new food initiative supporting the most vulnerable in Clay and Laurel counties.
This $50,000 initiative is made possible thanks to a combined investment from CVS Health and 1 Clay County (1CC), and anonymous investors. The Kentucky Beverage Association is lending their support by providing in-kind donations of water.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support a local effort that directly serves the most vulnerable in our community,” said Stivers. “This combined $50,000 investment reflects our collective commitment to lifting up our neighbors, taking care of families, and ensuring that no one in our community is left out. When we collaborate, we create lasting impact, and I’m proud to be part of that work.”
“When you strengthen food distribution in rural communities, you strengthen everything around it,” said Storm. “Thrive Together puts resources exactly where they’re needed and gives families dependable support during a time when costs continue to rise. I appreciate our partners for stepping up, and I’m proud to stand behind an initiative making a measurable difference here at home.”
VOA Mid-States will coordinate a community-based response that strengthens food distribution where the need is greatest.
“This is what it looks like when a community steps forward together -- when healthcare partners, local leaders, nonprofits, government leaders, and neighbors join forces,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of VOA Mid-States. “We call this initiative Thrive Together because that is the future we believe in – a future where no senior wonders how they’ll eat, no child goes to bed hungry, and every family has the dignity of food security.”
Thrive Together will support the Clay County Senior Citizens Center’s meal delivery program. The center currently delivers meals to 131 seniors. With this new support, the center will expand routes to serve 25 additional seniors and provide five meals a week to 50 children along those delivery paths.
The initiative will distribute $18,000 to nine local God’s Pantry Food Bank sites across Clay and Laurel counties to ensure families have steady access to nutritious food close to home. Thrive Together will also assist 90 clients in VOA’s recovery and housing programs, providing them with reliable, healthy food as they work to rebuild their lives.
“CVS Health is proud to support this healthy food pantry pop-up and stand alongside our neighbors who make Kentucky strong,” said James Sharp, Lead Director, Government Affairs for CVS Health. “Through our dedicated employees at over
70 retail pharmacy locations throughout Kentucky, we’re committed to bringing accessible care, trusted support, and healthier opportunities to the families we serve.”
“1 Clay County is very proud to partner with Volunteers of America in support of this initiative here today,” said Mike White, Executive Director of 1 Clay County. “1 Clay County is dedicated to making a difference and today is just another step in that direction for us.”
With the current funding, Thrive Together will feed community members in need for up to two months. The organizations are seeking partners who can help make this initiative a long-term, sustainable solution in Clay and Laurel counties.
