KSP encourages Kentuckians to take part in ‘Cram the Cruiser’ food drive

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are encouraging Kentuckians to lend a helping hand to their neighbors.

The annual statewide Cram the Cruiser food drive is taking place to combat hunger throughout Kentucky, with events running through Dec. 5.

“No family should have to face hunger or worry about where their next meal will come from, especially during the holiday season,” Beshear said. “Every year, I’m proud to see the love Team Kentucky shows through its participation in this food drive, and I hope anyone who is able will help us give back to our neighbors in need.”

Cram the Cruiser is hosted by all 16 KSP posts and works to collect essential food items to help support those in need during the holiday season.

Troopers will be stationed at various grocery and retail stores, ready to accept donations of non-perishable foods.

In Bowling Green, Post 3’s Cram the Cruiser event will take place Monday, Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sam’s Club.

Donations can include canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, chili or spaghetti sauce, brownies and cake mixes, coffee, water, powdered milk and juices.

Food items can also be dropped off at local post locations.

“During the holidays, our mission goes beyond enforcement. We want every Kentuckian to have the chance to share a meal with their family,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “The unique aspect of ‘Cram the Cruiser’ is that all donations stay within the post area in which they are collected. This allows our individual posts to directly impact local community members, which is the heart of our mission.”

To find specific locations and further details about the Cram the Cruiser holiday food drive, visit the KSP website.

In 2024, KSP says it collected more than 204,000 pounds of food, with Post 16 collecting the most donations at 115,000 pounds.