HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Food Bank of Reno County is holding a capital campaign to raise $1 million for its new building at 921 E. 4th in Hutchinson (4th and Severance). About $300,000 has already been raised.
The Food Bank officially closed on the new building in September, and funds raised from the campaign will go towards renovating and equipping it.
The new location is three times the square footage of the current location (700 N. Walnut) and offers 300 percent more cold storage space and more room to easily load and unload trucks.
Food Bank Capital Campaign Coordinator Donna Davis said she cares deeply about the community and wants it to be “a place where everyone is valued, safe, and able to thrive with sufficiency in every aspect of life.”
Davis serves as a community champion and volunteers her time to support progress on issues that matter to the people of Hutchinson and Reno County.
According to Davis, the Food Bank of Reno County first began services in 1981 and has been at the location on Walnut for almost 35 years. There are currently about 40 volunteers, who work morning or afternoon “shifts” one or more days a week.
“At our new location we won’t be space-limited and will be able to have more than six volunteers at one time,” Davis said.
When asked what she is looking forward to with the new facility project, Davis said, “Oh my goodness the list goes on and on!”
Davis shared a few main reasons she is excited about the new space:
Access to more food resources
The Food Bank can accept fresh produce from gardeners and rescued food from restaurants—resources that can’t be taken currently because of limited cold storage. Increased cold storage will allow food to be kept fresh, provide more produce alongside non-perishables, and move it quickly to families in need. According to Davis, the need in the community continues to grow, so helping families with their basic need for food will help the community in many ways.
More opportunities for volunteers
Many people ask if the Food Bank needs more volunteers, which Davis thinks is wonderful. However, the current space doesn’t allow them to host volunteers safely. The new facility will provide room for volunteers to process, sort, and move food efficiently and safely.
Expanded food shelving
Food shelving will grow from just 20 linear feet of shelving to nearly 400. This space will let clients shop for their families in a “dignified”, grocery-store-like setting and give them the ability to choose the foods that work best for them.
Health-focused food sections
Designated areas will be created for foods that meet specific dietary needs—such as heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and gluten-free options—so families can find the right support for their health.
First Call for Help
First Call for Help will office with the Food Bank, which will provide clients of both organizations additional support and resources.
The Board of Directors of the Food Bank has worked for many years to help solve the problem of food insecurity, and they are now reaching out to community members for assistance.
All donations – large and small – are appreciated. If you would like to donate, visit https://www.foodbankofrenocounty.org/.
Learn more about the building project at https://www.foodbankofrenocounty.org/campaign.
