LEXINGTON, Ky (LEX 18) Now that the Spring Meet has come to an end, Keeneland officials are celebrating a successful few weeks. One of their biggest successes was what they could do to help the less fortunate.
No matter how many people pack the stands at Keeneland enjoying a bowl of Burgoo or any of their other favorite snacks, the kitchen never runs out.
"Every day when we’re breaking down for the meet, there’s food that comes back and we all look at each other, what can we do with this food and how can we get it to the people that need it the most," said Marc Therrien, the executive chef at Keeneland.
For the first time ever, God’s Pantry’s "Meal Connect" program helped the Keeneland kitchen bring their extra food to the tables of at least seven different groups who help feed the hungry.
"Every single day. A total of 1400 pounds have been donated," said Marc Therrien.
Tay Henderson with Lighthouse Ministries said just one donation from Keeneland can help them feed 100 people.
"We love it. We’re very grateful, very grateful," said Henderson. "I want to feed them what I would eat and I think that because of Keeneland, the quality of our food is better."
"It’s a great feeling, it really is just knowing that people are going to have some good sustenance at night," said Therrien.
Keeneland plans to continue this program during the Fall Meet and at other special events throughout the year. Henderson said she hopes other restaurants and venues will start to do the same.
