The Community Food Bank of Barton County is the 2018 first-quarter recipient of the 100+ People That Care of Barton County group. Members of the group selected the Food Bank from three charitable organizations after a presentation from a representative of each group.
Established in 1984, the Food Bank assists residents of Barton County facing emergency or crisis situations, and serves an average of 2,146 families, or 6,846 individuals, per year. It receives no funding through government entities. It operates through donations of food items from local food drives by the postal workers, Boy Scouts, Wheatland Electric’s “Cram the Van,” school groups, and monetary donations from local individuals and organizations. One paid employee and a pool of 50 volunteers give of their time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-3 p.m. to assist individuals.
The Food Bank plans to utilize the funds to continue offering a menu of items to families, based on their size and personal preferences and needs, rather than a pre-made box of donated items. Clients can choose from canned fruits and vegetables, meat and protein items, soups, canned and dried beans, and pastas. By partnering with the Kansas Food Bank, the Community Food Bank of Barton County can also receive donations of fresh produce, meats, breads and pastry items from both Wal-mart and Dillons if they are slightly damaged or close to expiration dates.
To learn more about the Community Food Bank of Barton County, contact Ruth Behrens and staff at 620-792-4001, or visit the organization’s Facebook page.
The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from the Community Food Bank of Barton County will return to provide an update on their progress utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on its Facebook page.