The Brief
Crosstimbers Food Pantry in Edna, KS serves roughly 90 percent of Labette County, assisting between 150 and 200 families monthly, with about one-third being children and another third seniors on fixed incomes.
The pantry prioritizes nutritious food, especially protein, which families often cut from their budgets first when finances tighten.
The pantry is raising $30,000 for next year’s expenses and has reached nearly one-third of that goal through community support.
EDNA, Kan. (KOAM) — Food insecurity in rural communities presents challenges that extend far beyond what urban areas face. In Labette County, the struggle to access groceries and services stretches across miles rather than city blocks, creating barriers that many families navigate daily.
Crosstimbers Food Pantry has worked to address this need for about 13 years. The pantry now reaches roughly 90 percent of the county, helping between 150 and 200 families each month. The demographics tell an important story: about one-third of those served are children, while another third are seniors living on fixed incomes.
“Rural hunger looks completely different than it would in the city, because we measure that by miles, not really city blocks,” according to Jennifer Mathes, the pantry’s director. “There’s a lot of travel that takes place with having to find groceries or services.”
Nutrition-focused approach
The pantry takes a deliberate approach to the food it distributes, emphasizing nutrition and protein in particular. Protein is often the first item families remove from their grocery lists when money becomes tight, making it a critical focus area for the pantry’s operations.
There is no income guideline required to receive food at the pantry, ensuring that anyone in need can access assistance without barriers.
“We just hope that everybody that comes through these doors, that we serve them with dignity, because sometimes it’s hard to come through these doors,” Mathes said.
Beyond distributing food, the pantry provides meal kits, recipes and ideas for putting together affordable meals at home. This educational component helps families stretch their budgets further and make nutritious choices with limited resources.
Community support drives the mission
The pantry’s ability to continue its work depends on community support. Mathes emphasizes that rural hunger requires a collaborative approach.
“It’s really that neighbor helping neighbor, or other communities helping within, to help our community and rural hunger,” Mathes said.
Looking ahead, the pantry is working to raise $30,000 for next year’s expenses. As of now, organizers say the pantry is nearly a third of the way toward that goal. The fundraising effort reflects the ongoing commitment needed to sustain services for the families and seniors who depend on the pantry’s assistance.
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