HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As federal SNAP benefits remain in limbo, the Food Bank of Reno County is experiencing a sharp rise in demand, even as it presses ahead with a major expansion aimed at better serving the community.
Executive Director Angela Penner said on Tuesday morning that the food bank is now serving about 45 households per day—up from the typical 30—following the interruption of SNAP benefits that many local families depend upon.
“We have much higher demand than usual,” Penner said. “We’ve been serving about 15 more households per day, starting last week, with even more expected in the coming days.”
New Building to Address Overcrowding, Improve Service
The surge in need comes as the food bank works on a $1 million capital campaign to renovate a larger facility at the southeast corner of 4th Avenue and Severance Street—formerly a Family Dollar store. The expansion will allow the food bank to move out of its current, cramped location inside the Salvation Army building on North Walnut.
“We simply don’t have the space to meet the need,” Donna Davis, the Capital Campaign Coordinator. “In our current building, we can only fit about six volunteers at a time, and storage for fresh and frozen items is extremely limited. This new space solves that.”
The campaign has already passed the halfway mark, raising around $500,000 so far. That amount is enough to begin renovations, which started this week with flooring removal. The remaining funds will go toward equipment like coolers, freezers, shelving, and a forklift.
A key feature of the new building is its sustainable funding model: existing tenants in the building will provide enough rental income to cover the mortgage.
“One of the really cool things about this building is there are tenants already in that strip mall, so the rent from the tenants will actually pay the board's payment on that building. So we won't have a payment anymore.” said Davis
Modern, Dignified Shopping Experience Coming Soon
The expanded location will offer a grocery store-style experience, complete with shopping carts and choice-based selection—allowing families to pick the foods they need and prefer, while preserving dignity. The layout was designed in partnership with Dillons, which also supports the food bank with surplus items.
With greater space, the food bank will be able to offer more perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy, and frozen items—currently available in limited quantities due to storage constraints.
Community Support Opportunities
The Food Bank of Reno County and Eagle Media along with presenting sponsor Midwest Superstore are partnering on a “Stuff the Trucks” food drive this Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dillons Marketplace on East 30th Avenue.
Volunteers will be collecting nonperishable items such as canned meats and vegetables, cereal, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and pancake mix.
Partner organizations including Friendly Bingo, Hog Wild Pit Barbecue, Catalyst Pools Plus, and JACAM Catalyst who have already donated $500 toward the effort.
When asked, Penner talked about those items always in need. “There's always a need for nonperishable items, so things like canned meats, vegetables, canned fruits, pancake mix, cereal, we're running very low on cereal right now, so that's a great thing, if you can add that, peanut butter and pastas, rice, all of those kind of pantry stable items.
In addition to the ‘Stuff the Trucks” event on Friday, you can make a donation each time you head to Dillon’s Marketplace. Donation barrels are in place year-round at the Dillon’s Marketplace for those who wish to give later.