MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Food Bank of Reno County will move into a larger facility next week after successfully completing its capital campaign, Executive Director Angela Penner announced.
Penner said the organization met its fundraising goal “due to the generosity of our community” and is scheduled to relocate to 921 E. Fourth Ave., at the corner of Fourth and Severance.
The food bank will suspend operations during the move next week and reopen March 3 at the new site.
The expanded space significantly increases storage capacity, particularly for perishable goods. Penner said the new facility has roughly tripled its cold storage area, allowing the organization to accept and distribute more dairy and other refrigerated items.
“We’re going to be able to serve people with a lot more dignity,” Penner said. “People will be able to come through and shop our aisles like a grocery store.”
At its current location, the food bank can serve only one or two patrons at a time, creating delays on busy days. The new site will allow walk-in service without appointments and introduce a client-choice model, enabling families to select items that best meet their needs.
Beginning March 3, distribution hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.
The Food Bank of Reno County serves at least 15,000 people annually. Penner said the organization operates primarily through community donations and volunteer support and does not receive dedicated funding for its core programs.
The project gained momentum after the organization won the United Way of Reno County’s Spark Tank competition last fall, which Penner said increased public awareness and support.
The outgoing Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce board chair, Nick Baldetti selected the food bank as the recipient of a $200 gift. The foodbank has a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for March 12.
The new building, a former grocery store, was purchased by the food bank. Rental income from other tenants in the building will help offset operational costs.
First Call for Help will share space in the facility, creating what Penner described as a “one-stop shop” for clients seeking food assistance and additional community resources. The organization is also partnering with K-State Research and Extension to provide educational programming and working with United Way to connect clients with further services.
A community food drive is scheduled for March 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dillons Marketplace, with support from Eagle Media. The food bank is seeking donations of cereal, pancake mix, syrup and canned fruit, along with perishable items such as milk, eggs and cheese.
Penner said volunteers remain essential to operations, and those interested can contact the Volunteer Center at Hutchinson Community College.
“We just want to thank our community,” Penner said. “The support has been overwhelming.”