Beginning Monday, February 28, the Salvation Army Mobile Food Pantry will begin it's Monday through Thursday journeys to distribute healthy food options to the Wichita community.
It may come as no surprise to many Wichitans and Kansans in the surrounding area, the lack of access to an adequate selection of healthy food. In fact, according to the Salvation Army, one in eight residents face a "Food Desert" making up nearly 44 square miles of Wichita.
With this need, The Salvation Army of Wichita/Sedgwick County is looking to help with these food deserts with their Mobile Food Pantry. The Salvation Army has partnered with the Kansas Health Foundation, United Way of the Plains, the Kansas Food Bank, and the Wichita Parks & Recreation Department for providing the community center locations for the pantry to make regular stops.
The Salvation Army's Mobile Food Pantry will carry a selection of fresh produce, meat, milk, and other pantry staples to three community centers during the week. The three Wichita community centers include Goldenrod Park, Colvin & Fairmount Neighborhoods, where residents face an extreme lack of access to healthier food options.
"We hope this program provides immediate relief to those people living in Wichita's food desert while we work with others in the community on a long-term solution," said Major Nancy Powers, Salvation Army South Central Area Commander Officer of Programs. "Everyone should be able to feed their children healthy food and enjoy the benefits of good nutrition."
For more info on the Mobile Food Pantry or if you would like to volunteer, click here.