Abstract
Food is a human right, and fighting food insecurity is fighting for food justice. Food insecurity remains a pressing global challenge despite efforts to secure adequate food
resources. Feeding America fights rising food insecurity in the United States. It delivers
various intervention programs through its network of food banks in local communities.
However, limited information exists regarding implementing these interventions in
Kentucky, a state grappling with high food insecurity rates. This qualitative study
addressed this gap by describing the successes and challenges of implementing foodinsecurity interventions for four Feeding America food banks in Kentucky, represented
by five interviewees. Analysis of the interview data using open coding identified 29
challenges and 36 successes in implementing food-insecurity interventions across the
generated themes of Resource Administration and Management, Collaborative Relations
and Communication, and Internal Management and Operations. A common technology
and data storage weakness emerged among participating food banks, underscoring most
challenges. To address the wide range of food insecurity challenges, I proposed a
transformational technology strategy. It includes three recommendations: community
apps, Blockchain donation tracking, and drone delivery. However, the solution’s
substantial financial and human resource requirements necessitate the national Feeding
America organization's support of its local food banks during execution. Successful
implementation of this solution will enable Feeding America food banks in Kentucky to
enhance their delivery of food-insecurity interventions and better serve those in need.
Keywords: food-insecurity interventions, Kentucky hunger, feeding America,
food justice, food banks