LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — There have been several food distribution initiatives that have popped up to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they're not always able to cater to those with food allergies. That's an additional barrier some are facing during this time.
It's also the drive behind a new initiative, Feed Our Neighbor.
"Somebody has to feed them," said Denise Walsh, the owner of Gluten Free Miracles. "I mean, I have celiac disease. Where would I eat, if it were me?"
Walsh teamed up with several other businesses to start giving out meals twice a week, which can be made gluten-free if needed.
"We give soup, stews, bread, and eggs, and it's enough for three to five days," said Walsh. "It's easy. Eggs are already gluten-free, right? Soup is super easy to make gluten-free."
Organizers say they felt this issue needed to be addressed.
"What we're finding is there's this hidden need that we maybe think is getting taken care of with stimulus checks and all that sort of thing, but really there's so much more underneath. It's the tip of the iceberg is what we see when we walk around," said Sylvia Lovely, co-owner of Azur Restaurant & Patio and The Lexington Diner.
Meals are given out at 2:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday in Lexington and starting next week, also in Woodford County.
"This is a great opportunity for us in a moment of crisis to love our neighbor and truly make a difference," said Walsh.
