Submitted
The Community Engaged Art Program at Fort Hays State University is hosting a food drive to benefit the clients of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and other community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Amy Schmierbach, one of the event’s organizers, said in a news release, that for many people with disabilities, typical “food drive” items are difficult to open and use.
“Lack of developed motor skills, such as an inability to use a can opener; cognitive issues with understanding complex instructions following a recipe; or dependency on others to cook for them are just some of the barriers to accessible food for people with disabilities, especially those who live independently,” she said.
“Donating items with simple packaging or taking an extra step to prepare items in ways that eliminate difficult-to-open containers, such as removing items from boxes and placing them in easy-to-access containers, helps individual living with disabilities have accessible food.”
Schmierbach, professor of art, has prepared a list of suggested items that are more accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donors are asked to drop off the following specified, non-perishable food items on campus at the Center for Art building at the Atrium drop-off box or at DSNWK’s Custom Creations, 1107 Main St.:
Yogurt cups and other single-serving dairy products, such as pudding cups; canned fruits and vegetables with pop-top lids; instant oatmeal or cream of wheat; applesauce cups or pouches ; non-perishable, non-frozen, microwavable meals (Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, Minute Rice); meat and cheese snack packs; fruit cups and Jell-O; granola bars and trail mix; instant mashed potatoes; and microwave popcorn.
Schmierbach said if people are unsure if an item qualifies as “accessible” for someone with a disability, they can ask themselves these four questions:
Can it be stored outside of refrigeration? Is it easy to open? Is it shelf-stable? Does it require fewer than two or three steps to prepare?
If the answer to all four questions is “yes,” then the item is “accessible,” she said.
Steve Keil, communications officer for DSNWK, said the food drive is coming at a good time to help those DSNWK clients who rely on SNAP benefits.
“DSNWK would like to thank FHSU for coordinating this food drive for the people we serve and supporting them with food items during these uncertain times. DSNWK serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from the SNAP program. We hope that the SNAP benefit issues at the federal level will resolve soon, and there appears to be some relief coming.
“It means a great deal to us that others are thinking of their neighbors with disabilities, those we serve, in this outreach. All donations received from this generous food drive will go directly to those served by DSNWK in its Supported Living program and group residential living sites,” Keil said.
Those who wish to make a financial donation may drop off a check at Custom Creations made out to DSNWK with the subject line: food drive. The drive will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.