On the quiet Motherhouse campus of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the season of gratitude took on a deeply practical mission this November. With the generosity of donors and friends, the Sisters’ Office of Mission Advancement organized a Thanksgiving Food Drive to help ease hunger across Nelson County and bring comfort to families facing hardship.
Bags overflowed with Thanksgiving staples such as canned vegetables, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. Nearby, a pallet was stacked high with boxed frozen turkeys for the awaiting cars that lined up outside of the church.
“We see so many families who have to choose between paying for utilities or groceries,” an event organizer said. “This time of year, we want them to have both. No one should go without a meal on Thanksgiving.”
The items distributed this week were purchased through funds raised during the online Give for Good campaign as well as a separate local community food drive.
Kentucky continues to face a rise in food insecurity. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, roughly one in six Kentuckians — about 750,000 people — struggles to afford enough food. In rural counties like Nelson, limited grocery access and lower wages make the burden even heavier.
Local food pantries such as Bread for Life, operated by St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Ministries, have also reported an increase in clients through 2024 and 2025, driven in part by delays or reductions in government-funded food assistance. The need doesn’t stop when the holidays arrive.
Reaching Hundreds Through the Turkey Giveaway
The Thanksgiving Food Drive culminated in a Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 20, and this year’s reach was remarkable.
Based on distribution logs:
- Approximately 380 households received turkeys or grocery gift cards.
- An additional 100 Nazareth Village residents and employees also received Thanksgiving items.
- In total, the giveaway touched about 480 households or individuals directly.
For many, this turkey will be the centerpiece of their holiday. It’s more than food; it’s the comfort of knowing the community remembers them and cares about them.
In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth remain committed to answering Christ’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger. Inspired by Mother Catherine Spalding, this year’s food drive and Turkey Giveaway united Sisters, Associates, staff, volunteers, and neighbors in a shared mission of responding to the needs of the time with compassion, generosity, and love.