MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Food Bank is serving a record number of residents this year, with demand more than tripling in June compared with the same month a year ago as the organization continues expanding services from its new facility.
Executive Director Angela Penner said the food bank served 4,785 people in June 2026, compared with 1,424 people in June 2025, underscoring the growing need for food assistance across Reno County.
The trend extends beyond a single month. From March 1 through June 30, the food bank served 8,386 people, up from 3,448 people during the same period in 2025. Since opening its new location at 921 E. Fourth Ave. on March 3, the organization has also welcomed 3,958 first-time clients representing 1,358 households.
Penner said the increase reflects both a growing need in the community and improved accessibility at the food bank's new facility.
"We're serving a large number of people, and it's always wonderful to get fresh produce," Penner said. "The people that we serve have really appreciated that."
One source of that fresh produce has been the Garden for Good program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. The inmate-operated garden produced approximately 38,000 pounds of food last year, with about 24,000 pounds distributed to the Reno County Food Bank, the Pretty Prairie Food Bank, Christian Soup Ministry and other local organizations.
The food bank has received potatoes, onions and cabbage from the program this summer, providing nutritious options for families while helping stretch the organization's food supply.
Penner said the move to the larger building has transformed how the food bank serves clients. The facility allows staff to restock shelves while remaining open, eliminating the need for appointments and offering walk-in service. Located along an RCAT bus route, the building is also more accessible and visible than the organization's former location.
Despite continued support from donors, Penner said demand is outpacing available resources.
The food bank receives a monthly shipment from the Kansas Food Bank, but Penner said those supplies are quickly exhausted because of the increased number of families seeking assistance.
Another challenge is approaching as the USD 308 summer meals program concludes.
For several years, the Reno County Food Bank has provided bagged lunches during the approximately two-week gap between the end of the summer meal program and the start of the school year. Penner said the organization is still seeking enough donations to provide three to four additional meals during that period and expects to serve about 250 children each day from July 27 through Aug. 12.
Community members can help by donating food or making financial contributions at the food bank's location. Donations may also be made through the organization's website. Collection barrels remain available year-round at the Dillons store on Plaza Drive and are currently located at all Hutchinson Dillons stores as part of the retailer's summer food drive.
Looking ahead, Penner said the food bank is partnering with K-State Research and Extension to launch nutrition and meal preparation classes beginning in August. The organization is also continuing its partnerships with agencies including United Way and First Call for Help to connect clients with additional community resources.
The larger facility has also allowed the food bank to move away from distributing prepacked boxes. Instead, families can now select many of the food items they take home in a grocery store-style setting.
Penner said the response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive because families now have greater choice in selecting foods that best meet their needs.
The Reno County Food Bank accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 921 E. Fourth Ave. Service hours are 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.