Cram the Cruiser gathers over 200,000 pounds of food donations

FRANKFORT, Ky. – It’s another successful year for the Kentucky’s State Police’s Cram the Cruiser food drive.

Thanks to the help of the state’s troopers, Gov. Andy Beshear says Thursday that 204,262 pounds will go to families in need. The initiative, hosted by all 16 KSP posts, collected essential non-perishable foods to help during the holiday season for those in need.

“Team Kentucky knows how to come together to care for their neighbors, and the amount of food collected through this event is a testament to the love our people have for each other,” Beshear said. “Through your donations, so many Kentucky families will have a brighter holiday season, and for that, I am thankful.”

Donations included canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, chili or spaghetti sauce, powered milk and more.

“Every donation stays in the community where it was collected,” said KSP commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “This year’s drive once again highlights the generosity of Kentuckians and the collective effort to fight hunger. I’m honored to see such a strong response.”

This year, KSP says Post 16 took in the largest amount of donations, gathering 115,348 pounds of food.

“Their efforts foster a spirit of collaboration that enhances the quality of life for residents in the area,” Capt. Brenton Ford says. “We are proud to work alongside these individuals to achieve a common goal.”

Since its beginning, KSP says it has donated almost 3 million pounds of food to organizations that help those in need.