United Way to give to food banks
Staff writer
United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties plans a $10,000 emergency donation to support food banks and pantries across both counties as they work to keep up with a sharp rise in community need.
Marion County Food Bank is included among the food banks to get checks.
United Way made this decision because of delays in the federal government sending out SNAP benefits. Local food assistance programs are seeing more families seeking help and fewer resources to meet those needs, the agency said.
United Way wants to give food banks the ability to stock shelves now, when demand is highest. The money will come from organizational reserves.
“We’re hearing the strain from every corner of our community,” United Way executive director Dalton Black said. “Schools, pantries, health care partners, everyone is seeing families who are doing everything right but still can’t make ends meet. This investment is a way to keep food moving where it’s needed most while we work on larger, community-wide strategies.”
The money will support several organizations serving Harvey and Marion Counties. Besides Marion County Food Bank, recipients will include Burrton Food Pantry, Hesston Resource Center, Neighbors in Halstead, Meeting House Pantry in Sedgwick, New Jerusalem Mission Food Pantry, and Harvest of Love at Salvation Army in Newton.
The food banks each will get between $250 and $3,500 based on population and need.
Black said organizations throughout the state were rallying to support food systems. Kansas Food Bank in Wichita is offering discounts and supplemental grants, making United Way’s dollars stretch further.
Immediate financial support will help partners respond to urgent need right away.
United Way also is looking at additional ways to improve food access, such as coordinated drives focused on getting food directly to children through schools.