Above and Beyond

The Heritage Group’s initiative to support hunger-fighting organizations in the areas where THG operates is helping to make a difference across the United States. Monument received $40,000 to support a range of local food distribution organizations in its communities in Kentucky and Texas. Funds allocated to the Brandenburg site were used to support Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH).

“The staff at FAKH had identified an increasing need for food to overcome hunger challenges in our region, even before COVID-19 was on anyone’s radar,” said Tonya Klinglesmith, HR Business Partner for the Brandenburg site. “When so many Kentuckians have been faced with financial difficulties, we felt that supporting FAKH would allow us to make the biggest impact possible in our community.”

According to the FAKH website, the demand for food is significant, with one in seven adults and one in five children in Kentucky facing hunger every day. The organization distributes more than 13.5 million pounds of food to approximately 175,000 people each year, something Tonya and Kelli Richard, HR Generalist, saw first-hand when they volunteered their time at the Meade County distribution events in April and May. The drive-through style event allows residents to stay in their cars, minimizing contact while volunteers retrieve boxes of food based on individual or family needs.

Since the food drive began in March, nearly 3,000 boxes have been distributed to families in Meade County. Monument is proud to partner in this effort alongside the other community volunteers each month to support local families.

PICTURE CAPTION: Volunteers keep safety top of mind as they load boxes directly into vehicles at the Meade County drive-through food distribution event.