COLLEGE STUDENTS ALONG WITH A LONG LIST OF LOCAL SUPPORTERS WERE LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR HOMETOWN. THE IDEA BEGAN IN A HIGH SCHOOL CLASS LED BY NOW RETIRED TEACHER, KYLE FANNIN. AFTER SOME OF THE STUDENTS ATTENDED A NATIONAL CONFERENCE WHICH FOCUSED ON FOOD INSECURITY ISSUES, TEACHER ANDY SMITH SUGGESTED VISITING AN EXISTING FACILITY IN DANVILLE, KY KNOWN AS GRACE CAFE, WHICH WOULD SERVE AS A MODEL. FROM THERE THE SPARK COMMUNITY CAFE WAS BORN. IN 2020, BOARD CHAIR WHITNEY STEPP-GAY JOINED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR SPARK COMMUNITY CAFE, INC. SHE, LIKE THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS, UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM OF FOOD INSECURITY AND WANTED TO EXPAND THE MISSION OF SPARK COMMUNITY CAFE, INC. AFTER A LOT OF DISCUSSION, THE CAFE MADE THE MOVE TO CLOSE ITS DOORS IN JUNE, BUT CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD PROVIDING MEALS AND ADVOCATING FOR VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. WITH NEW GRANTS AND SUPPORT FROM LOCAL AND STATE PARTNERS, SPARK COMMUNITY CAFE INC, PLANS ON MAINTAINING A STORAGE SPA