In the hills of Laurel County, Kentucky, Amanda Joseph is preparing for a Thanksgiving that means more than just a meal. At 45, Amanda has faced her share of challenges—disability, food insecurity, and a long road to recovery from addiction. But today, she’s filled with gratitude, hope, and a deep love for her family and community. Amanda lives with her husband and son, and together they raise chickens, sharing eggs with neighbors when they can.
Last year, Amanda’s family enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal thanks to God’s Pantry Food Bank’s Sharing Thanksgiving Program. Since 1994, this program has provided families experiencing hunger with all the ingredients for a holiday meal. In 2025, it will reach 7,500 families across Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Each family receives a box filled with essentials, including a turkey, butter, eggs, onions, potatoes, and sides such as stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, and even dessert ingredients like fudge brownie mix. “The meal I receive today will be used to get all the family together and have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner,” Amanda says.
Amanda’s journey hasn’t been easy. She’s faced anxiety, financial hardship, and the painful decisions that come with food insecurity. “It’s a very bad feeling when you have to wonder if you’re going to buy your dinner or pay your bill,” she says. “I wish that on no one.”
But through it all, Amanda has found strength in her faith and her community. “I am a 16-year clean meth addict. I want everyone to know there is hope.”
As she reflects on her favorite Thanksgiving memory—her grandmother humming while cooking—Amanda smiles. “She was so happy around that time, just joyful.”
This year, you can help families like Amanda’s by sponsoring a Thanksgiving box. A $75 gift provides a full holiday meal to a family. Every donation helps bring joy, dignity, and connection to tables across Kentucky.
