LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville nonprofit "Change Today, Change Tomorrow" is combatting hunger in the West End by giving residents barrier-free access to food.
The nonprofit's program Feed the West is once again expanding its reach by opening up kiosks around the area to meet people where they are.
Feed the West started four years ago and the need is as big as ever.
"It started out as a weekend thing, and then from there we realized how big the need for food was in this food desert and from there we just continued to do it," said Change Today, Change Tomorrow's YahYah Huddleston. "Not only are we in a food desert, but we're in a high poverty area. The grocery stores are overpriced, people can't really afford to live nowadays. Taking away the need of having to pay for food helps unburden a lot of people financially in the community."
Huddleston knows knows the feeling of not knowing where your next meal is coming from all too well.
"I've been on the other side where, I myself, needed food and I was one of the people coming through the line at one point in time. It motivated and drove me," she said.
While tables are full of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, Narcan, and COVID tests, other basic necessities like diapers and baby formula are scarce.
"It's one thing to have to already deal with so much that's going on in life but to also have to continuously stress about basic need," Huddleston said.
Now, the nonprofit is once again expanding its reach by going beyond four walls at 2500 West Broadway by opening back up the feed the west kiosks.
"Having the kiosks kind of helps meet people where they are versus people having to come to a central location. Can't make it there that's fine, you can come on this day to this location that's closer to you. It has really helped play a huge part in convenience. Another thing a lot of people struggle with is transportation. Yes, the food is convenient, but if you're struggling to get there…it can be stressful at times," Huddleston said.
Starting March 20, the kiosks will be at the New Leaf Clinic on Tuesdays, off West Muhammad Ali Boulevard on Wednesdays, and at Alberta Jones Park on Thursdays, meeting people right where they are.
The kiosks will open at noon and stay open until all the food runs out.
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