TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – On Tuesday morning, a Harvesters food distribution was held in the Stormont Vail Event Center parking lot. Hosted by Topeka Turnaround Inc. and Topeka Bible Church, the event made it easy for those in need to access fresh produce and other provisions.
“It’s hard to get groceries in the house, and so this is a blessing to have to come and be able to get food to help feed the family,” said Cathy Hatton, a beneficiary of the food distribution.
Nearly 280 cars stopped by to pick up some much-needed food, a blessing that may have a short shelf life.
“We did make an announcement this morning that there may be some, as a result of cuts down the road, insecurity in future months, but for at least the next couple of months, I think we’re OK,” said Paul Shafer, the Facility Manager of the Topeka Bible Church.
Cuts at the federal level are expected to trickle down to local food banks in a matter of months. One billion dollars of aid has been paused or cut by the USDA, affecting those who need this food the most.
“It is a concern because I see how many people come out here, not just me, and they help a lot of people, and to have cuts where I worry about people not getting the food, people going hungry. And that’s one thing we don’t want to see,” said Hatton.
“It means I’m going to not have a lot of vegetables and my diet’s going to change again. So it’s not going to be as healthy as it is now,” said Irvig Lester, another beneficiary.
One volunteer is reminded of similar shortcomings during the COVID-19 pandemic and hopes for a similar unity when the time comes.
“During that time, other sources stepped up to donate food… we’re trusting, you know, we’re people of faith here at the church and we just trust that somehow that other sources, other donations that they will be there. There will always be food for those who have need,” said Shafer.
Harvesters helps to organize free distributions across the state daily. You can find their full calendar here.
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