Kansas Commodity groups - including the Kansas Wheat Commission - are helping to reduce hunger in Kansas communities by participating in the "Neighbor to Neighbor" statewide food drive, taking place until March 19.
State leaders, including Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman, kicked off the event on Feb. 18.
The food drive, which is jointly hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dillon's Food Stores, Harvesters - The Community Food Network, the Kansas Food Bank, the Second Harvest Community Food Bank and the Kansas agricultural community, concludes March 19. At that time, the groups hope to raise 50,000 meals for Kansas families during the drive. Kansans can contribute to the campaign at Dillon's Food Stores statewide or at other locations in communities across the state.
"Across Kansas, I am always amazed at the generosity our citizens show to their neighbors in need," Governor Brownback said.
As of March 1 - or halfway through the event - 7,093 meals had been raised.
To participate in the Neighbor to Neighbor Statewide Food Drive, folks can either drop off food at a Dillons Food Store, or at your local county food pantry. If you wish, you can tell the folks at your local food pantry that you want to participate in the Neighbor to Neighbor program.
Volunteers from the Kansas Wheat Commission will meet with grocers on March 16, in Dillons Grocery Stores in Manhattan and Garden City to collect canned goods and visit about wheat foods.
"Across Kansas, I am always amazed at the generosity our citizens show to their neighbors in need," Governor Brownback added. "This food drive gives them an opportunity to help their fellow Kansans, to reduce hunger across the state and to support our state's farmers and ranchers. When you are shopping for groceries for your family this month, I encourage you to take part in this important campaign. While one food drive won't end hunger in Kansas, together, we can make a difference."