Kentucky Food Ministry Co

What it reported doing in 2024

Kentucky Food Ministry operates a community meal distribution program that provides consistent food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Lexington, Kentucky. The organization prepares and distributes simple, ready-to-eat meals directly within underserved communities, including individuals experiencing homelessness and residents of subsidized housing. By delivering meals on-site within neighborhoods, the program reduces common barriers to food access such as transportation limitations, mobility challenges, and lack of proximity to traditional food pantries. During the current fiscal year, Kentucky Food Ministry served 4,462 meals over 41 service days, providing reliable food assistance to hundreds of individuals experiencing economic hardship. Meals are prepared by volunteers and typically include items such as sandwiches, granola bars, cookies, and bottled water. Distribution occurs directly within the communities served in order to maximize accessibility and ensure consistent contact with individuals who may otherwise lack access to regular food resources. The program operates primarily through volunteer engagement and community partnerships. During the fiscal year, volunteers contributed approximately 590 hours of service supporting meal preparation, logistics, distribution, and community outreach. Partner organizations that supported the program through volunteers, donations, or other resources included Saint Athanasius Orthodox Church, Mount Zion Community Church, Asbury University student organizations, the Downtown Community of First United Methodist Church, and the YMCA. In addition to meal distribution, the organization periodically provides seasonal items intended to support the health and well-being of individuals served. During periods of extreme summer heat, volunteers distributed additional water and cooling items, such as popsicles, alongside meals to help mitigate health risks associated with high temperatures. The organization also conducts occasional supplemental outreach efforts that support individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. During the fiscal year, Kentucky Food Ministry organized a community clothing drive, collecting and distributing clothing items to families in need. The organization also hosted a community fish fry and dance fundraising event, which helped generate resources to sustain the meal distribution program and maintain consistent service. Through this program, Kentucky Food Ministry provides direct food assistance while building collaborative relationships with local churches, student organizations, and community partners. The program is designed to provide consistent, accessible food support to vulnerable populations while leveraging volunteer engagement to maximize community impact and operational efficiency.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 66.9%; rating input score 67
• Program expense ratio: 76.7%; rating input score 77

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Limited

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 12.7%; rating input score 65; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.42; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 68; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 125% per year; rating input score 100; 98th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 69% per year; rating input score 100; 98th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 42% per year; rating input score 100; 94th percentile among comparable filings