Kansas City metro food pantries, drives try to fill financial gaps for families as costs rise - Dining and Cooking

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) – Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center in Olathe is collecting non-perishable food items for families ahead of Thanksgiving. Food pantries and organizations across the metro are trying to fill financial gaps for families as costs rise.

Economy tops voter concerns

An AP voter poll that surveyed voters in all 50 states found the economy was the most pressing issue.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled by The Associated Press, food prices have gone up 33% since 2019.

Food drive in Olathe

Children’s Lighthouse of Olathe is taking part in the Felicia Shows Gratitude National Food Drive from Nov. 2 to Nov. 13. The drive brings together 45 Children’s Lighthouse locations across the country.

The Olathe school has a goal of collecting 1,000 non-perishable food items for the Starfish Project. The school is at 14200 W. 135th Street. More information is available at childrenslighthouse.com/national-food-drive

Owner Madison Wiggins said the early childhood learning center franchise collects food for families within the Olathe Public School community. Wiggins said the drive teaches the children they educate how to serve their neighbors.

“What we have in excess, we can give to others,” Wiggins said. “Make sure they understand how we can give back as a family, as individuals, with kindness with gratitude. We need to love and serve our community.”

Overland Park pantry sees increase

Village Church Food Pantry in Overland Park is making food baskets for Thanksgiving. Pantry Director Dennis Cobb said the pantry will distribute 500 baskets. Cobb said foot traffic from emergency walk-ins has been noticeable in recent months.

“Those walk-ins, I would guess, about 10 percent within the last two, three months,” Cobb said.

The pantry’s resources have also gone down, Cobb said.

“The food that we receive through government sources has decreased,” he said.

Cash donations are most helpful, according to the pantry. He said every has the chance to put their best foot forward and help their community.

“Just as human beings, we have a responsibility to take care of one another,” Cobb said.