MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Food Bank of Reno County is modifying its distribution schedule beginning Aug. 17 as the organization adjusts to a significant increase in demand at its new location.
Food bank officials said the first five months at the facility at 921 E. Fourth Ave. have brought tremendous growth in the number of people seeking food assistance. The organization said it has evaluated when services are needed most and determined that changing its distribution hours will allow staff and volunteers to serve clients more effectively.
Beginning Aug. 17, the Food Bank of Reno County will be closed for distribution on Mondays. Service hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.
Donation drop-off hours will remain 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Food bank officials said the revised schedule will provide additional time for staff and volunteers to restock shelves and prepare for distribution days while continuing to meet the growing need for food assistance.
The change follows a dramatic increase in the number of people using the food bank this year.
Executive Director Angela Penner recently said the organization served 4,785 people in June 2026, compared with 1,424 people in June 2025. From March 1 through June 30, the food bank served 8,386 people, compared with 3,448 during the same four-month period last year.
Since opening at its new location March 3, the organization has also served 3,958 new clients representing 1,358 households.
The larger facility has allowed the food bank to expand walk-in service and provide a grocery store-style experience where clients can select many of the foods they take home. Penner previously said the additional space also allows workers to restock while clients are being served.
Despite continued donations from individuals, businesses and community partners, Penner said increased demand has put pressure on available supplies.
"We've received a number of donations, and we've continued to receive a lot of donations," Penner said during a recent interview. "However, we're serving a lot more people."
The organization said it understands that changing distribution hours may affect clients' schedules and thanked customers, neighbors, volunteers, donors and supporters for their patience and continued support.
The Food Bank of Reno County is located at 921 E. Fourth Ave., Suite A, in Hutchinson.