In the heart of Owensboro, Kentucky, a small but mighty organization is making a big difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. The Help Office, a nonprofit food bank, has recently received a generous grant from Atmos Energy, allowing them to expand their mission of providing nutritious meals to those in need. This timely donation couldn't have come at a better time, as the community continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and economic uncertainty.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Partnering for Progress: The Help Office's Tri-State Connection

When Angela Settle took the helm as the Executive Director of The Help Office in 2019, one of her first priorities was to forge a partnership with the Tri-State Food Bank in Evansville. This strategic move has proven to be a game-changer, allowing the organization to access a vast network of resources and purchase healthy food items at a fraction of the retail cost. "With this partnership, we are able to purchase meat and nonperishable food items for 16 cents per pound, and many items are free," Settle explains. "This means that monetary donations from individuals will allow us to purchase more food than if they purchased it at a local grocery store."

Feeding the Hungry, Nourishing the Soul

The Help Office has been a beacon of hope for the less fortunate in Daviess County for over 50 years. Their commitment to providing nutritious and well-rounded meals is evident in the diverse selection of food items they offer. "Our food assistance provides clients with foods that improve and maintain their health," the organization's website states. "We strive to provide seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, canned fruits and vegetables, frozen meats such as chicken, tuna, peanut butter, and more. Personal care items such as toilet tissue, soap, and toiletries are included, as assistance programs like SNAP, also known as food stamps, don't cover such daily essentials."

Serving with Compassion: Ensuring No One Goes Hungry

The Help Office's dedication to serving the community extends beyond just providing food. Settle emphasizes that the organization is committed to making exceptions and accommodations to ensure that no one is turned away, especially the unhoused population. "To be eligible for food assistance at the Help Office you must live in Daviess County. We do ask that you provide a driver's license/ID or other proof of residence. Having said that, we are here to serve those in need and we make lots of exceptions to ensure that no one goes hungry despite not providing proof of residence — especially the unhoused population that live in our community."

Empowering Clients, One Meal at a Time

The Help Office's approach to food distribution is designed to empower and support its clients. Food orders are not pre-made, but rather tailored to the specific needs of each household. "We provide 5 days worth of food, and clients can receive our assistance every 4 weeks," Settle explains. "We also have a volunteer that provides bags of ready-to-eat meals for the unsheltered homeless that we assist on a daily basis."

Partnerships and Collaborations: Strengthening the Community

The Help Office's success is not solely due to its own efforts, but also the invaluable support it receives from the local community. Settle highlights the crucial role played by Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, whose biannual food drives provide a significant boost to the organization's supplies. "Without the hospital's support, it would be very difficult to have the variety and quantity of non-perishable food to meet the needs of our community," she says.

Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities: Atmos Energy's Commitment

The recent grant from Atmos Energy has been a game-changer for The Help Office, allowing them to expand their reach and impact. As part of their "Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities" initiative, Atmos Energy has donated a staggering $2 million to food banks across the eight states it serves, with the goal of raising awareness about food insecurity and inspiring action to combat hunger."Food banks play a critical role in caring for vulnerable populations that face food supply inadequacy and nutritional instability, while also offering essential services such as nutrition education, advocacy, and assistance programs that address the root causes of hunger," a release from Atmos Energy states. "Providing these nonprofit organizations with resources to collect, store, and distribute food to those in need is an essential part of Atmos Energy's Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative."The Help Office is just one of the many organizations that have benefited from Atmos Energy's generosity, joining a network of food banks and charities across the region that are working tirelessly to alleviate the burden of food insecurity.