If You've Got Lights, Give a Can

If you know food banks, you know that their greatest need comes after the holidays, when the generous Thanksgiving and Christmas donations have been distributed and the shelves are bare, but there are more hungry people than ever.

The effects of this week's ice storm aftermath have us all cursing everyone from the power company to the neighbor whose unpruned tree brought down the electric lines to our feckless governor.

But there's a practical way to show gratitude for the modern blessing of electricity and earn eternal karma points while helping others, all at the same time:

Give to your local food bank.

Last week, Governor Beshear launched the "Restock the Pantries" campaign to collect cans of food at university ball games over the weekend.

“During these tough economic times, families across Kentucky are struggling everyday to keep food on the table for their families,” said Governor Beshear. “This week’s ice storm has only added to the hurdles so many Kentuckians are facing. Thanks to the efforts of outstanding community organizations and our Kentucky universities, we hope to make this difficult time a little easier for those across the state hit hard by the storms.”

But hunger in Kentucky is not a holiday, or ballgame weekend phenomenon. As bad as your day, or week without electricity was, you probably didn't miss a meal.

Tens of thousands of Kentuckians did.

Many local community action agencies operate food banks. Find a list of them all here.

God's Pantry serves the hungry in Lexington.

Dare to Care delivers fresh produce to agencies helping the hungry in Metro Louisville.

Cross-posted at BlueGrassRoots.