A look at our history
More than forty years ago, Rae and Eddie Ballard were inspired by friends in Owensboro to begin a food bank in Hopkins County. They invited other community leaders to help turn the idea into a local ministry, and churches began collecting food while local businesses helped provide bread and other staples.
As the effort grew, the Food Bank moved from its early home near Arch and Franklin Streets to its present service location on West Center Street in Madisonville. What started with a few people and a practical idea became a long-running community effort supported by volunteers, churches, businesses and individual donors.
Why we serve
Our mission is straightforward: provide food for people who need it, treat every person with respect, and put Christian compassion into action. The pantry is designed to be practical and welcoming rather than complicated.
Community-powered
The food bank depends on people willing to stock shelves, sort donations, prepare grocery distributions, organize drives, contribute funds and encourage neighbors. Every role matters because each one helps turn donated resources into food on a family’s table.