RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Food Bank of Reno County together with Reno County K-State Extension, are hosting a joint fundraiser and food drive from 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, November 13 at Sandhills Brewing, 111 West 2nd Avenue in Hutchinson.
Roughly 4,800 individuals – nearly 8 percent of Reno County residents – rely on SNAP to help meet their family’s nutritional needs. The ongoing government shutdown has already led to increased demand and strain on the Food Bank of Reno County’s supplies.
“We are preparing for a level of need we’ve never seen before,” said Angela Penner, Executive Director. “One in five children in Reno County already faces food insecurity, and many of their families depend on SNAP. Families are counting on our food bank to survive this period of uncertainty, and the food bank is counting on our community to help meet this need.”
This joint effort is an opportunity for people of all walks of life to join around a common goal. In addition to the fundraising effort, the evening will include a short presentation on food insecurity in Reno County, as well as an update on the Food Bank of Reno County’s future.
“Wherever we work, whatever our hobbies or interests, we all part of our Reno County community,” said K-State Extension Family and Community Wellness Agent Jason Probst. “Each of us can work with our family, friends, and networks to help ensure the Food Bank of Reno County can help keep our community strong – today and well into the future.”
Sandhills Brewing is offering ½ price on the first drink with a food or financial donation on Nov. 13. Light refreshments will also be served.
While food donations are always needed, financial contributions allow for greater flexibility in meeting local needs, increased purchasing power when buying food through suppliers like the Kansas Food Bank, and less need for storage and material handling.
Update on the Food Bank of Reno County’s Capital Campaign
To meet future needs, the Food Bank has purchased a new facility at 921 E. 4th Avenue (4th & Severance), which will triple cold storage capacity, provide safer volunteer work areas, and allow multiple families to shop with dignity at once.
“Our current space was never designed to serve this many people,” said Penner. “This new facility will allow us to serve more families more efficiently and with greater dignity.”
Donations to the Food Bank of Reno County’s general fund and the capital campaign can be made online at www.foodbankofrenocounty.org, or checks can be made out to “Food Bank of Reno County” and mailed to our current location at 700 N Walnut, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
For more information, please contact executive director, Angela Penner, at 620-960-8815.
