Finch Fuels Change with Hunger Project

For LaRue County High School junior Ava Finch, tackling student hunger isn’t just a class project — it’s personal. She chose the issue for her passion project after seeing how hunger directly affects students’ ability to learn.

Ava explained that she’s seen firsthand how lack of nutrition can make it hard to focus in class. “Every student should have access to enough nutrition to fully engage in their education each day,” she said. “No one should be held back just because they don’t have enough food.”

Her personal experience turned into a mission — one that has made a visible impact on campus. Working alongside the district’s school nutrition department, Ava helped bring healthy vending machines to LaRue County High School. The machines provide nutritious snack and meal options for students who may have missed breakfast, are short on time between classes, or need something after practice.

“It feels really rewarding to see my project making a real difference for my fellow students,” Ava said. “Knowing that I was able to help solve such an important issue motivates me to keep working hard and shows how much impact one person can have in their community.”

Stephanie Utley, director of school nutrition for LaRue County Public Schools, said Ava’s work shines a light on an ongoing challenge. More than 55% of students in the district qualify for free or reduced-price lunches — a reminder that for many families, consistent access to food isn’t guaranteed.

“Access to nutritious food is more than a convenience — it’s a necessity for learning and thriving,” Utley said. “Nationally, about 17.9% of households with children experienced food insecurity in 2023, meaning nearly one in five families faced uncertainty around having enough to eat.”

She added that the new vending machines help close that gap. “By installing these machines, we’re removing a barrier and giving students another reliable option to grab a healthy snack or meal,” Utley said. “When students aren’t worried about their next meal, they’re more focused, engaged, and ready to learn.”

For Ava, that outcome represents exactly what she hoped to achieve — a school where every student has what they need to succeed.