Distribution of 30,000-40,000 pounds of food set for central Topeka amid shutdown

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Harvesters Community Food Network and a local church are teaming up to hold a major food distribution event in Topeka later this week.

Town and Country Christian Church will be distributing 30,000-40,000 pounds of fresh food at no charge to local families in need during the upcoming NE Kansas Mega Fall Food Distribution event. The distribution is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 in a drive-thru format that will begin at the east entrance of the Kansas Neurological Institute near Southwest 21st Street and Southwest Randolph Avenue.

Drivers should head to the stop light at the intersection of Southwest 21st Street and Southwest Randolph Avenue then turn south and follow the posted signs. Food will be distributed on site on a first-come, first-serve basis. People do not need to provide an ID on location to participate.

Harvesters Communications Manager Matt Hammer said his organization understands there is an increased need in Topeka and beyond this month due to the ongoing government shutdown. He said that Harvesters recognizes the severity of the situation and is treating it similarly to an emergency scenario.

“Harvesters is aware there is a large number of people struggling in the community right now and is doing what it can to mobilize resources to help,” Hammer said. “We’re happy to have partners like Town and Country Christian Church who are willing to mobilize and serve their neighbors.”

Hammer encourages people to visit the Harvesters website to find additional food resources while the shutdown continues. You can also take advantage of the food locator section of the Harvesters website to find kitchens, pantries and drive-thru pickups near you. A list of available food pantries in Shawnee County can also be found here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf