TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she is simultaneously hosting food drives at the remaining seven stops on her statewide ‘The People’s Budget’ listening tour. In partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Governor Kelly is encouraging Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items to give back to local communities.
“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why I’m urging the Kansans attending my statewide listening tour to donate food items and support food banks struggling to meet already high demands. Kansans have always lifted up their neighbors during challenging times, and food drives are a simple way to give back to our communities.”
Food banks currently have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other shelf stable items in need include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and more. Additional information about in-demand items can be found here. Kansans participating in the food drives should refrain from donating perishable food or items in glass packaging.
“As the shutdown continues, more families are turning to food banks and our partner agencies for help,” said Valerie Nicholson‑Watson, Interim President and CEO, Harvesters – The Community Food Network. “This food drive with Governor Kelly is important because hunger doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Kansans have always stepped up for one another, and these food drives are more than just cans of food—they’re about hope, community, and taking care of one another when it matters most.”
Governor Kelly will host the second and third stops of ‘The People’s Budget’ tour on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. in Hays and 6:00 p.m. in Garden City. Kansans interested in attending the events should visit this form for additional information. Those who plan to donate food at the events will be able to drop off items at the venue.
“We’re grateful to Governor Kelly for highlighting the issue of hunger through this tour,” said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Kansas Food Bank. “These food drives will provide vital support to families facing uncertainty during the shutdown and help ensure that our neighbors across Kansas have access to the nutritious food they need.”
The remaining stops on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour will take place on the schedule below:
- Wednesday, October 29: Hays
- Wednesday, October 29: Garden City
- Monday, November 3: Kansas City, Kansas
- Wednesday, November 5: Leawood
- Thursday, November 6: Emporia
- Monday, November 10: Pittsburg
- Wednesday, November 12: Wichita
Space at each venue will be limited, and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis. The Governor’s Office would appreciate RSVPs to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time. Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.