Nonprofit Resumes Meal Programs in Hutchinson After Private Donors Step Forward

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Everfull resumed its Friendship Meals and Meals on Wheels programs Monday after anonymous donors provided up to $40,000 in funding following the Hutchinson City Council's decision to table emergency funding for the services.

The nonprofit organization had requested city support to transition from federally funded meal programs to a self-pay model charging $7.50 per meal. When the council tabled the proposal Sept. 2, private donors stepped forward to fill the funding gap.

"The donors are residents of the community who know the emergent nature of the problem," said Lucy Heller, president of Everfull's board of directors.

Everfull previously provided meals under the Older Americans Act until services ended June 27. The new programs operate independently from meal services provided by The Wesley and the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

Unlike the former federally funded program restricted to residents 60 and older, the new services are open to community members of any age who need nutritious meals or social connections. Participants must pay the $7.50 fee in advance.

The Friendship Meals program serves those seeking a communal dining location, while Meals on Wheels delivers to homebound residents. Both services operate from Everfull's office at 401 E. 4th Ave., Suite D.

Executive Director Charles Johnston said the organization received daily requests for meal services after the programs ended.

"We are excited to return our services to Hutchinson to not only meet this urgent need but to expand our services to those who desperately need these services but were previously not eligible," Johnston said.

Community members can join the programs by contacting info@everfull.org or calling 620-669-8201.

Everfull continues to provide federally funded meal programs in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick counties through partnerships with state agencies.