We are happy to announce that we have reached and exceeded its $5 million “Growing to Serve” capital campaign goal.  We will use the funds to expand our Wichita warehouse with a 21,000 square foot addition, including a new volunteer center, more warehouse space and more freezer and cooler space to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables throughout our service area.

Kansas Food Bank currently serves 12.3 million meals annually to more than 215,000 unduplicated individuals through more than 700 hunger-relief partners in 85 counties.  When the capital improvements are complete, we expect to increase annual distribution to more than 13.3 million through increased volunteer effort, including doubling fresh produce distribution.  Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2018 and be completed by May 2019.

“With 1 in 7 people in our community in need of food assistance and an increasing number of Kansans who are living with health-related diet restrictions, the Kansas Food Bank realized that the time to act is now,” Brian Walker, President & CEO of KFB said.  “There is a growing need across our service area, especially in the most rural parts of our community, to provide access to healthy food options.  This campaign is in response to the need for additional volunteer space to help fulfill of our mission to provide hunger relief wherever and whenever possible.”

Improvements made as a result of the campaign will also focus on enhancing the volunteer experience at KFB.  With the addition of dedicated work space in the new volunteer center, KFB will be able to accommodate groups of up to 100, five times greater than the number that can currently volunteer at one time.  Volunteers directly impact the distribution process by quickly and efficiently sorting and packaging food for hunger-relief partners across the state.

The campaign launched in late 2016 and has received support from 42 generous individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations.  The lead gift was provided by the Sunderland Foundation of Overland Park, KS.  In grateful recognition of their generosity, the new volunteer center will be named the Sunderland Foundation Volunteer Center.

“As a long-time partner with the Kansas Food Bank, we could not be more grateful for and inspired by the work of this organization in the fight against hunger throughout Kansas,” Kent Sunderland, President of the Sunderland Foundation, said in a written statement.  “We were impressed with the Food Bank’s vision to increase fresh produce distribution to hungry Kansans living in our community’s most rural areas.”

During the month of September, HURTS Donut Company in Wichita is helping Phil the Backpack.  Guests can donate $1, $3, $5 or more to help provide funding for the Food 4 Kids weekend backpack program.  Drop by either of the HURTS Donut locations, 7010 W 21st St or 3750 N Woodlawn, and help Phil the Backpack today.  Your donation will ensure chronically hungry children have weekend meals.  In Wichita there are over 1,200 kids who rely on the Food 4 Kids program.  Hunger HURTS and you can help stop hunger today.

Mark your calendars!   The Empty Bowls-Wichita 2018 Chili Cook-off is Saturday,October 13th, 11 AM – 1 PM at WSU – Go Create, 4000 E 17th Street N, Wichita KS.

The Empty Bowls Project is an international grassroots movement to help end hunger. Ceramic artists around the world participate every year—and so does Wichita! Every fall, Wichita State University’s Ceramics Guild, along with Ceramics Media, the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries (ADCI), the Ulrich Museum of Art and many others, work under the leadership of ceramicist and educator Brenda Lichman to raise funds for the Kansas Food Bank.

It all begins with Build-a-Bowl events. Organizations as well as individuals interested in making bowls to donate are invited to ADCI’s Henrion Hall for Community Build-a-Bowl days (Wednesday, August 29th, 4:30–7:30 PM). WSU Ceramics Guild and faculty also take the show on the road visiting Wichita-area elementary, junior high and high schools to have students make one-of-a-kind bowls. These bowls are collected, glazed and fired in preparation for the culminating event—the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off.

On the day of the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off, guests are presented with hundreds of bowls made by artists and community members, and dozens of chilies, soups and delicious desserts to try. Guests pay $20 at the door and select a ceramic bowl to keep. They take their newfound bowl, fill it with chili/soup and eat to their heart’s content.

A jury of local chefs, community leaders and President Bardo diligently sample the chilies and do the hard work of selecting winners for Best Chili, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili and Best Traditional Chili.

In addition, the event also features the Wichita National Ceramics Invitational exhibtion to benefit Empty Bowls Wichita, held at Reuben Saunders Gallery. This juried exhibition features fine ceramics works by WSU ceramics alumni and professional artists. This is a great way to get a work of art while supporting the effort to end hunger in our community.

Last year (2017), the Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off welcomed over 800 people and Empty Bowls Wichita presented $20,000 to the Kansas Food Bank. Empty Bowls Wichita has funded over $60,000, providing 240,000 meals to Kansas communities since 2014. This year will be the biggest yet!

All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Kansas Food Bank.
$20 donation per person/$10 donation per student (with ID)