Norton Children’s clinic pantry making impact in local community

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A local pediatric clinic is taking a broader approach to care — addressing not just medical needs but the everyday challenges families face at home.

At Norton Children’s Medical Group – Bowling Green, a food and safety pantry is now helping patients and their families access essential resources, from groceries to life-saving safety equipment.

The pantry first opened in October in response to a growing need across Warren County, where nearly 20 percent of children experience food insecurity.

“We have recognized that in our community, about 20 percent of children and families are having food insecurity,” said Dr. Kelly Kries, a pediatrician with Norton Children’s.

Doctors say the effects of food insecurity go beyond hunger.

“It can impact your health and your well-being, but also psychologically — focus, attention, irritability and cognitive ability can all be affected,” Kries said.

The pantry provides food along with items like baby supplies, safe sleep sacks, Pack ’n Plays, bike helmets, gun locks and medication lock boxes — resources aimed at preventing injuries and promoting safe home environments.

“Injury is very high on the list of things that can impact children,” Kries said. “Our goal is to keep our kids safe.”

Unlike traditional food pantries, this program combines nutrition with injury prevention, pairing each item with education for families.

Since opening, the pantry has served 119 individuals, including 62 children, and distributed 69 safety items, helping protect 106 people.

The effort is supported by the Harold and Juanita Koon Family Charitable Foundation through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The pantry is available to patients of Norton Children’s Medical Group. Families can request assistance during their visit by completing a short form at check-in.

Kries says the goal is to meet families where they are — and help them build healthier, safer lives.

“We want our community to be the best that it can be,” she said. “It’s not just their health — we want them to flourish in other areas as well.”