Food pantries across Reno County offer assistance as demand surges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Food banks across Kansas and the nation are experiencing unprecedented demand as families struggle with rising costs and potential federal benefit disruptions, with some facilities reporting increases of more than 20 percent over the previous year.

The Food Bank of Reno County served over 15,000 people last year, representing roughly 20 percent of the county's population, a stark indicator of growing food insecurity in communities throughout the state.

Nationally, 65 percent of food banks recorded an increase in the number of people served in October 2024 compared to October 2023, with an average of 20 percent more people seeking services. The trend shows no signs of abating in 2025, as food banks prepare for what officials describe as a potential crisis.

One in seven Kansans are currently food insecure, according to Brian Walker, president and CEO of the Kansas Food Bank, which serves 85 counties across the state. Food insecurity rates in the Kansas Food Bank's service area increased from 10.3 percent in 2021 to 13.5 percent in 2022, while childhood hunger soared to 20.5 percent, up from 14.7 percent in 2021.

The increased demand comes as food banks face multiple challenges. Global food banking organizations increased distribution of food and grocery products by 17 percent to 762 million kilograms in 2024, reaching the network's highest level outside of the COVID-19 pandemic peak.

In Reno County, the strain on resources has become particularly acute. The Food Bank, in its current location, can only let two shoppers in at a time due to space restrictions, with a 10-minute time limit instituted to ensure everyone gets a chance to obtain food.

To address the growing crisis, the Reno County Food Bank has launched a $1 million capital campaign to relocate to a former Family Dollar store at Fourth and Severance in Hutchinson. The new location offers three times the square footage of the current facility and provides 300 percent more cold storage space, which will allow the organization to accept fresh produce and rescued food from restaurants.

The timing is critical. In Sedgwick County alone, an estimated 49,505 people received SNAP benefits in June 2025, with children representing nearly half of all recipients. With potential disruptions to federal nutrition programs looming, Walker said food banks could face unprecedented demand.

"If everybody that was on food assistance had to come to the food bank, we would have to double our distributions, roughly," Walker said.

Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study showed that 47 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2023, the highest level in nearly a decade. The study also found that nearly 20 percent of children across the country are experiencing food insecurity, with some rural counties seeing child food insecurity rates as high as 50 percent.

Economic factors continue to drive the increased need. In 2024, a regional survey found that 37 percent of households in the Greater Washington area experienced food insecurity in the year prior to the survey, with rising costs of living cited as the primary reason for food bank utilization.

Despite the challenges, food bank officials remain committed to serving their communities. Food banks served 38 million people globally in 2024, powered by 436,000 volunteers, a 40 percent increase over the previous year.

Food banks are urging community members to donate food, funds or time to help meet the growing need. The Reno County Food Bank accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 700 N. Walnut in Hutchinson.

For more information about the Reno County Food Bank's capital campaign or to make a donation, visit foodbankofrenocounty.org.

Reno County Food Assistance Agencies

If you and/or your family are in need you can contact these organizations for assistance.

Buhler Community Food Pantry — 415 N. West Street, Buhler, KS 67522; 620-543-2784. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon. Requires proof of residency in Buhler School District. Clients can receive assistance as needed.

Food Bank of Reno County Inc. — 700 N. Walnut, Hutchinson, KS 67501; 620-665-4076. Open Monday-Friday, 1-3 p.m. Requires Reno County residency. Clients can receive assistance once every 60 days.

Haven Food Pantry — 201 N. Kansas Ave., Haven, KS 67543; 620-465-3838. Open second and fourth Saturday of each month, 9-10 a.m. Requires proof of residency in Haven School District. Clients can receive assistance once a month.

Living Hope FWB Food Pantry — 808 S. Poplar, South Hutchinson, KS 67506; 620-663-4244. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Clients can receive assistance once a month.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Food Pantry — 407 E. 12th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67501; 620-662-5642. Open Monday, 2-4 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon; Thursday, 2-4 p.m. ID required. Clients can receive assistance once a month.

Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry Association — 209 W. Main St., Pretty Prairie, KS 67570; 620-459-7126. Open third Friday of each month, 9-10 a.m. No ID required but must reside in USD 311 school district. Clients can receive assistance once a month. TEFAP distribution site.

Streetlight Ministries Inc. — 704 N. Jefferson, Hutchinson, KS 67501; 620-662-6689. Open Monday and Wednesday, 1-3 p.m.; Sunday, 3-3:45 p.m. No ID required.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program — 301 S. Main, Sylvia, KS 67581; 620-899-2035. TEFAP distribution site.