MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A large-scale community effort to combat hunger happened on Wednesday as Dillons hosted a food packing event during the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Volunteers from across Reno County gathered and assembled 500 family meal kits, which provides enough food to feed approximately 2,500 people. Each kit is designed to serve a family of five and includes shelf-stable ingredients for easy meal preparation.
In addition to the meal kits, volunteers also packed 300 bags of fresh apples and oranges, further supporting local families in need.
“For us here at Dillons, we’re really excited to be back at the NJCAA Tournament with our food packing event,” Shelia Regehr, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Dillons, said.
The event has drawn participation from a wide range of community partners, including the United Way of Reno County, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. The collaborative effort highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity.
All food assembled during Wednesday's event will be distributed locally through the Food Bank of Reno County.
The food packing initiative is part of Dillons’ broader efforts to support hunger relief in the region. Earlier this month, the company donated $20,000 to the Food Bank of Reno County and assisted with its transition into a new facility.
“Hutchinson’s our hometown—we’re so proud to be here and proud to be able to support our community in these ways, especially when it comes to ending hunger in our community,” said Regehr.
These efforts will help expand access to food resources for families across the area while reinforcing the importance of community partnerships in meeting local needs.