Kansas Food Banks Prepare for the Holidays Amid Rising Need
Nov 3
2 min read
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As the holiday season approaches, food banks across Kansas are gearing up for one of their busiest times of the year. While this time often brings joy and togetherness, it also brings new challenges for families facing food insecurity — and for the organizations working to meet their needs.
During a recent interview with Brian Walker, President and CEO of Kansas food bank, he shared that the demand for food typically increases as temperatures drop.
“On a normal holiday season, we do see demand increase,” Walker said. “People have to turn the heat on, their bills go up — and of course, everyone wants to have a holiday dinner with their families if that’s possible.”
But this year, there’s an added layer of uncertainty. With ongoing concerns over federal funding and possible interruptions to SNAP benefits, food banks are preparing for an influx of families who may find themselves suddenly without assistance.
“We’ve been thinking about this for a couple of weeks,” Walker explained. “We’ve ordered extra food and produce so our partner agencies across the state — including those in Colby — are ready to meet the increased need. We can manage that short-term, but it does take extra volunteer time and funds.”
How Kansans Can Help
Walker says there are three main ways community members can make a difference: time, food, and treasure.
“Most of our pantries and soup kitchens are volunteer-driven,” he said. “People can give their time by helping sort food or serve meals. They can also donate food items locally, or make a financial contribution so we can purchase the items most in demand.”
For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, technology has opened new doors for giving.
“We’ve had people order groceries through apps and have them delivered straight to the food bank,” Walker said. “It’s an easy way to help without even leaving the house.”
More Than a Meal
Beyond meeting immediate needs, Walker says volunteering at a food pantry often leaves a lasting impact on those who serve.
“People get committed to the mission,” he said. “They know they’re putting food on someone’s table. And the friendships that form among volunteers are incredible — people come together who might never have met otherwise.”
Many volunteers also form connections with the people they serve, especially seniors who live alone or families facing unexpected hardships.
“Sometimes, that simple conversation is just as important as the food,” Walker shared. “It gives you perspective on what people are really going through.”
As the holidays draw near, Kansas food banks are calling on their communities to lend a hand — whether by volunteering, donating food, or contributing funds.
“We hope everything with SNAP gets resolved soon,” Walker said. “But until then, we’re here — and with the help of Kansans, we’ll keep making sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.”
For information on finding a food pantry near you, visit https://kansasfoodsource.org/.
