On May 26, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles visited Perry County during the Hunger Listening Tour and discussed food insecurity in the region. While in Hazard, Quarles, local leaders and community partners discussed hunger in Kentucky, work being done by Godâs Pantry Food Bank, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted hunger in Hazard and what policies, supports and infrastructures are needed to ensure food security in Hazard and across the state. âAs we emerge from COVID-19, we know that food insecurity rates are well above national averages so we came to Hazard to listen first then make recommendations about how to address hunger specifically in Eastern Kentucky,â said Quarles. âBefore the pandemic, one in seven Kentuckians were considered food insecure. That number is more about one in five in eastern Kentucky. We also know that food insecurity rates among children are higher due to COVID.â