The Louisville Zoo is once again teaming up with Dare to Care to fight hunger during its annual Wild Winter Days, running through Feb. 28, 2026.
This year, food banks are facing additional strain due to the federal government shutdown and delayed SNAP payments.
A discounted entry fee of $11 for adults and $8 for children or seniors will be given to zoo visitors who donate at least one non-perishable food item at the ticket counter. All food donations will go directly to Dare to Care.
In recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in the need for donations. Due to the prolonged federal shutdown, almost 600,000 Kentuckians depend on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, which were all but suspended.
Following a federal court decision forcing restricted funding to continue, Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Wednesday that partial SNAP payments will start processing this week, ending weeks of uncertainty.
“Kentucky is ready, willing and able to work around the clock, to as quickly as possible once funding is received,” Beshear said. “It’s important to remember SNAP benefits are typically staggered through the month, and therefore payments will be too. But I can assure you, our teams will be working day and night to make it happen. But knowing the benefits aren’t there yet and recognizing the strain on families and on food banks who are stepping up more than usual.”
Beshear approves movement of funds
Beshear also approved $5 million from the state budget reserve to assist Feeding Kentucky, which collaborates with Dare to Care and six other regional food banks that serve all 120 counties, in order to help meet the spike in demand.
Additionally, the Kentucky National Guard has been given permission to help food banks staff in order to guarantee that meals reach families as soon as feasible.
The zoo’s ongoing collaboration with Dare to Care, which is currently in its 17th year, was commended by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, who described it as an example of how neighborhood organizations can help out in times of need.
“No family, child or senior should ever have to go hungry, and our local food pantries are needed now more than ever before,” Greenberg said Tuesday. “Our community needs us, and I hope that people will take advantage of this chance to help feed our neighbors who need us while supporting our fantastic Louisville Zoo.”
What to donate for Dare to Care
Canned meats including chicken and tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, beans, peanut butter, soup, rice, cereal, pasta, and fruit juice are among Dare to Care’s most essential supplies. Contributions must be made in non-glass containers.
The zoo will contribute 25 cents from each entry ticket to support local and international conservation and sustainability initiatives in addition to the food drive.
The Louisville Zoo has contributed to the collection of over 30,000 pounds of food since the beginning of its collaboration with Dare to Care; as Kentuckians come together to support families impacted by the SNAP disruptions, organizers want to see this figure rise even further this winter.
Go to the Louisville Zoo’s website for a complete list of the items that Dare to Care needs.
This article appears in Nov. 1-30, 2025.