Owensboro Health commits $200K to strengthen food access, senior wellness

Owensboro Health is investing $200,000 over the next three years to support two community projects aimed at addressing long-term health challenges in the region — targeting food insecurity and the needs of an aging population.

The health system will contribute $100,000 each to the development of the Green River Community Food Warehouse and the future Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County. Both projects are still in the planning stages.

Dr. James Tidwell, Owensboro Health’s Vice President of Population Health, said the funding is part of a broader approach to improve health outcomes by investing in prevention and root causes.

“These projects aim to address social factors that influence health ‘upstream’ from the problems,” Tidwell said. “When people are hungry or isolated, their health suffers. But if we invest in food access, connection, and prevention, we can change that story.”

The Green River Community Food Warehouse will serve as a centralized, temperature-controlled facility designed to strengthen the area’s network of food providers. It will help ensure local food pantries and community kitchens have consistent access to high-quality fresh and frozen foods.

“There are over 15,000 food-insecure people in our community,” said Steve Innes, chair of the warehouse committee. “Our pantries and kitchens are doing incredible work — but they need more consistent access to high-quality food. We’re designing this project to strengthen and support that network.”

Owensboro Health’s contribution will help finalize the facility’s engineering plans, support ongoing fundraising, and move the project closer to construction. The goal is to launch operations by late 2026, eventually scaling to distribute more than 200,000 meal equivalents per month through local partners.

The long-term plan also includes sustainable revenue streams, such as facility rentals and strategic partnerships, allowing the warehouse to generate income while serving community needs.

The new Senior Community Center will provide a modern, accessible space designed to help older adults stay active, engaged, and connected. The center will expand on current offerings, with additional fitness programs, educational classes, and opportunities for social interaction.

“We want seniors to remain healthy and active as long as they possibly can,” said Dr. David Tucker, director of the Senior Center. “Having a centralized location where seniors can participate in programs, access resources, and socialize is a powerful asset for our community.”

The center is expected to serve residents throughout the region, with plans to partner with Owensboro Health, River Valley Behavioral Health, and other agencies.

“Owensboro Health is vital to our existence,” Tucker added. “They provide the knowledge, education, and healthcare connections we need to offer holistic care for seniors.”

The funding follows Owensboro Health’s recent donation of 17 tracts of land to Habitat for Humanity through the Greater Owensboro Area Housing Collaborative, part of the health system’s growing commitment to community-wide well-being.

“We love working alongside partners who are deeply committed to making our region better for everyone,” Tidwell said.