This Thanksgiving, the Jessamine County Public Library is grateful to all the organizations who provide food assistance to the Jessamine County community.
According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap project, in 2022 there were approximately 7,210 food insecure people in Jessamine County, leaving us with a food insecurity rate of 13.5%. The food insecurity rate for Jessamine County children is even higher, at 17.5%.
What is food insecurity? According to Feeding America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines it as a “lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members.”
The organizations listed below are trying to improve access to nutritious food here in Jessamine County with free community meals and food pantries.
Community Holiday Meals
Community Thanksgiving Meal
Wed., Nov. 27, 4 pm – 7 pm
Jessamine County Public Library
Enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner provided and served by the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition.
Have your meal at the library or take it to go. All are welcome.
No registration is required.
Community Holiday Dinner
Fri., Dec. 20, 4 pm – 6:45 pm
Jessamine County Public Library
Enjoy a little gift from JCPL and JCHC (Jessamine County Homeless Coalition). Stop in and pick up a holiday meal to go and a take-and-make ornament craft bag.
If you have some time, stay a while! Sit down, listen to holiday music, eat with us, and make an ornament to add to the Communi-TREE. JCPL will also offer a selection of gently used books for you to keep.
Everyone is welcome.
No registration is required.
Year-Round Community Meals
Jessamine County Homeless Coalition
218 E. Maple St., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Hours:
- Breakfast: 7 am – 8 am
- Lunch: 12 pm – 1 pm
- Dinner: 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Free daily meals to anyone who needs them.
Nicholasville Methodist Church
303 W. Maple St., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Provides weekly Manna Meals.
Hours:
Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm
Food Pantries
Bethel Harvest Church/ Family Food Center
3260 Lexington Rd., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Hours:
Thursdays, 5 pm – 6 pm
Bring a valid photo ID showing proof of Jessamine or Fayette County residency.
Community Service Center of Wilmore and High Bridge
For eligible Wilmore and High Bridge residents. Bring a photo ID, a bill, and proof of income.
Food Distribution Hours:
Fridays, 11 am – 11:30 am
At the side window of the Community Service Center Thrift Shop
209 E. Main St., Wilmore, KY 40390
The last Saturday of the month, 9:30 am –11 am
(In November and December, it’s the Saturday before the holiday)
Wilmore Presbyterian Church
100 N. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY
Edgewood Baptist Church Food Pantry
717 South Main St., Nicholasville KY, 40356
Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 3 pm
Offers a couple bags of non-perishables as supplies are available.
Jessamine County Food Pantry
Nicholasville Christian Church
104 S. Second St., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Hours:
Mondays, open tables from 10 am – 11:30 am
Tuesdays, store open from 12 pm – 4 pm
Thursdays, store open from 2 pm – 6 pm
Bring a photo ID and proof of residence (such as a utility bill).
Salvation Army Food Bank
221 Edgewood Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Hours:
Mondays and Thursdays: by appointment only
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 10 am – 2 pm
Bring a photo ID and proof of residence (such as a utility bill). If you have children, bring their medical cards.
Jessamine County residents can receive food assistance six times a year.
Looking for More Community Resources?
Visit our Community Resources page for organizations that offer help with clothing, housing, and more.