Mercy Health awards Paducah Cooperative Ministry $250,000 to create new food pantry

Mercy Health proudly announced a Community Health Fund award of $250,000 to create a Client Choice Food Pantry at Paducah Cooperative Ministry. 

The initiative will create a grocery store-like environment to empower people to make informed choices about their food. 
 
Food insecurities were identified as a top community health need within the region during Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment. 

To address the challenge, Mercy Health—Lourdes Hospital secured a significant investment from the Bon Secours Mercy Health Community Health Fund.

PCM experienced a 41% increase in grocery requests from 2022 to 2023. In 2024, they received 800 requests per month for food assistance. The goal of the new Client Choice Food Pantry is to transform the food pantry experience for our neighbors in need by and restore dignity.

 Mercy Health’s Community Health Fund Awards support local partner organizations dedicated to addressing critical local needs within the health care system.