Churches across Kansas are reaching out to their communities to alleviate hunger. Maybe your congregation is considering offering something similar. Here are some of the ways that other churches do this.
Atchison FCC – In operation for over 14 years, the Atchison County Food Pantry is an ecumenical and community-based group, with volunteers from many different backgrounds. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, people are welcome to receive food once a month.
Chanute FCC – God’s Pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In 2018, they served more than 3500 people.
Coffeyville FCC – on the last Saturday of each month, the church offers a free community breakfast. In January 89 guests were served.
Emporia FCC – in coordination with the Salvation Army and the First United Methodist Church, the church’s food pantry is open two days a week. Each family is given standard items including protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Patrons appreciate the roll of toilet paper included in each bag. Patrons may choose extra items when available. Annually, over 560 families are served.
Girard FCC — The church has lead the way to making the community food pantry. Open a few days each week, several local churches have joined forces to make this vital ministry happen. the church hosts a pantry
Great Bend FCC — In addition to supporting the community food bank which provides meat, bread, and dairy items, the church has a small pantry of canned and dry goods for those in-between times and for transients.
Holton FCC – The church houses the local ministerial alliance’s Food Pantry.
Independence FCC – Serves a free community dinner every Tuesday night
Neodesha FCC – Serves a community breakfast on Sunday morning
Topeka FCC – Sack Lunch Ministry prepares 150 sack lunches that include a sandwich, a bag of chips, fruit and a granola bar. The sack lunch items are donated, assembled, and distributed by church members to the Topeka Rescue Mission every Sunday.
Wichita Faith CC – Tuesday Food Pantry
Wichita, Hillside CC — Volunteer food pantry serves 50-65 households a week. They work with the larger Wichita Food Bank program and receive non-perishables as well as fresh food. Church members also donate clothing, hygiene products, and even refurbished bikes.
We’re confident that this list is not comprehensive, and that more Disciples churches are feeding the hungry. Have your own twist on keeping our hungry fed? Share with us!