HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Food Bank of Reno County continues to see a significant increase in demand for assistance as the organization prepares for the holiday season and works to keep its shelves stocked.
Angela Penner, with the Food Bank of Reno County, said the organization has already served more than 12,000 people this year, more than double the number served during all of 2025.
"We have served more than twice the number of people that we served in all of 2025, and we've served over 12,000 people so far," Penner said.
The increase comes as the food bank continues operating from its new location at 921 E. Fourth Ave. in Hutchinson. The organization moved from its previous location at the Salvation Army in March, providing more space, expanded hours and a grocery store-style shopping experience.
Penner said the new facility has allowed the organization to better serve families while giving them more flexibility in selecting food.
"I think the way that we have our store set up now, it's people can come in and shop with dignity, and should not feel bad about needing to reach out and have a hand up," Penner said.
The new building is approximately three times the size of the previous location and includes additional refrigeration, freezer space and shelving.
Dillons has played a major role in supporting the expansion, donating shelving, coolers and shopping carts. Penner said the grocery chain recently provided additional carts in September.
The food bank relies entirely on donations to support its operations. As an affiliate of the Kansas Food Bank, the organization can also purchase food at reduced prices, allowing monetary contributions to go further.
"All of our operations are based on donations, so food and monetary donations is what keeps us going. 100%," Penner said.
Among the most frequently requested items are peanut butter, cereal, pasta and canned goods. The organization also receives milk donations from Jackson Dairy every other week.
The food bank is encouraging residents to support its food collection efforts, including the annual Stuff the Trucks event at Dillons Marketplace.
With Thanksgiving approaching, the organization is also accepting applications for its Turkeys for Tummies program, which will provide Thanksgiving meal boxes to 200 eligible Reno County families through the generosity of Prosper Through Serving Others.
Eligible households must have at least three members, including one child, meet income guidelines and not receive holiday meal assistance from another local program.
Applications must be submitted by Nov. 12. Selected families will be notified by Nov. 17, with meal pickup scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.
Applications are available through the 2026 Thanksgiving Meal Box Application.
Penner said volunteers also remain essential to the organization's daily operations. Approximately 50 to 55 active volunteers assist with stocking shelves, checking in clients and helping families shop, with about 10 volunteers working each day.
The food bank is open Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Food and monetary donations are accepted at the facility at 921 E. Fourth Ave. in Hutchinson.