God's Pantry Backpack Program
In 2010, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart initiated an athletics department-wide community service partnership with God’s Pantry, a Lexington-based food bank. UK student-athletes, coaches, and staff volunteer their time to assemble food-filled “backpacks” and personally deliver them to local elementary schools every week. These meals are distributed to children from underprivileged families in the Lexington community, ensuring they have access to the meals they need.