Community Meals for the Holidays and Beyond – Jessamine County Public Library

The Jessamine County Public Library is grateful to all the organizations working to improve access to nutritious food here in Jessamine County.

According to God’s Pantry Food Bank, the most recent report from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap project shows food insecurity in Central and Eastern Kentucky at “historic highs.”

Feeding America says households become food insecure when they “cannot access enough food due to a lack of money and other essential resources.”

Map the Meal Gap’s 2025 study, which was based on 2023 data, found 7,400 food insecure people in Jessamine County. In other words, 13.7% of our residents lacked enough food, many of them children.

The community meals listed below are one way local organizations are trying to help. These meals are open to all.

Visit our Food Assistance webpage to find information about food pantries serving Jessamine County.

Community Holiday Meals

November Community Holiday Dinner

Wed., Nov. 26, 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.

December Community Holiday Dinner

Fri., Dec. 19, 4 pm–6:00 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.

There will also be a donation drive during the Holiday Dinner. Non-perishable food items, pet supplies, unwrapped toys, personal hygiene items, and new winter coats, hats, and gloves (infants through age 12) are accepted.

Everyone is welcome.

No registration is required.