United Way Partners with High School Students to Combat Food Insecurity in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A collaboration between the United Way of Reno County and high school freshmen has resulted in thousands of meals being distributed to local families in need.

Eight hundred freshmen from USD 310 Fairfield gathered in Langdon for the FFA Greenhand Conference, where they worked together to secure grants and package meals for families across south central Kansas.

The student-led initiative produced 12,528 packaged meals, all of which remained in Reno County to address local food insecurity.

United Way officials said their team helped connect the students to grant funding and facilitated the transportation of food boxes from Langdon to the Food Bank of Reno County.

"This is what collaborative impact looks like — when students, schools, and community partners come together to make a difference," United Way representatives said in announcing the project's results.

The initiative demonstrates how educational programming can be combined with community service to address pressing local needs while providing students with hands-on experience in grant writing and community outreach.

The Food Bank of Reno County will distribute the meals to families throughout the area as part of its ongoing efforts to combat hunger in the region.

United Way of Reno County, located at 111 N. Walnut Street in Hutchinson, focuses on education, income and health initiatives. The organization can be reached at 620-669-9329 for information about additional community programs.