KCTCS, Feeding Kentucky address food insecurity among college students
Published on Apr 2, 2026
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) recently partnered with
Feeding Kentucky for the 9th annual Serving Up Solutions and raised $57,400 to address
hunger in Kentucky.
These funds will directly benefit the food pantries at 16 KCTCS college locations.
Rising inflation and economic hardship continues to be a problem affecting many KCTCS students. Nearly 50 percent of undergraduates attending a KCTCS college reported housing instability, and insecurity over where their next meal was coming from, according to a recent study by Trellis Research.
“Students can’t learn if they are hungry,” said Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS. “We strive to make sure our students never have to choose between attending class and having enough to eat so that we can guarantee a better future for them and their families. Initiatives like Serving Up Solutions ensures our campus food pantries are stocked so no one is forced to make that decision.”
During the event, two Elizabethtown Community Technical College (ECTC) students shared their stories and experiences with the KCTC food pantry.
Courtney, a local single mother, said there was a time when everything in her life felt uncertain. Through some difficult transitions, ECTC’s food pantry was something she could always rely on.
“Because of this pantry, my daughter didn’t go to bed hungry,” said Courtney. “Because of this pantry, I was able to keep showing up, stay focused, and hold onto hope even when everything around me felt unstable. It provided safety, stability, and dignity during a season when we desperately needed all three.”
Today, Courtney is balancing coursework and motherhood, while pursuing a degree in nursing.
Areeyah, a proud veteran, is also a single parent currently pursuing her nursing degree at ECTC.
“To the donors here tonight, your generosity is more than a tax deduction, it’s the answer to a mother’s prayer,” said Areeyah. “You looked past the stereotypes and saw a human in need. Your kindness is the food my ears have longed to hear. It’s a message that I am seen, that my children matter, and that we are not alone. You did not just fill a pantry, you restored a sense of dignity that I thought was lost.”
Since its inception in 2018, the annual Serving Up Solutions dinner has raised over $150,000, and serves as a pivotal effort in addressing hunger in the Commonwealth. The event also features bipartisan collaboration by offering legislators the opportunity to serve individuals in need.
“No matter where life takes me, I’ll always make time to serve those who are less fortunate,” Quarles said.
To donate to the food pantries and emergency funds of one of the 16 colleges of KCTCS, visit kctcs.edu/giving. To learn more about the efforts of Feeding Kentucky or to donate, visit feedingky.org.
