Here’s a guide to some of the top food banks and pantries in the Wichita area, ready to accept donations this season.
These are some of the best practices to keep in mind:
- Give Financially: The absolute best way to help is often with a monetary donation. Food banks can stretch a dollar way further than we can at the grocery store because they get awesome discounts and can buy in bulk. Your cash donation means they can get exactly what’s needed most!
- Think Shelf-Stable & Nutritious: When you’re picking out items, go for things that won’t spoil and offer good nutrition. Think canned chicken, tuna, beans, lentils, or nut butters. These are fantastic sources of protein. Whole grains, like pasta or oatmeal, and shelf-stable fruits and veggies are also super helpful.
- Kid-Friendly, Kid-Prepared: This is such a smart idea! Look for items that kids 12 and under can easily prepare themselves, without needing a grown-up to supervise. Think about things like:
- Individual oatmeal packets
- Canned pasta with pull-tabs
- Fruit cups or applesauce pouches
- Granola bars or cereal bars
- Peanut butter and jelly (for easy sandwiches!)
- Crackers
- Shelf-stable milk boxes
- Donate What Your Family Loves: Don’t just grab the cheapest thing on the shelf! Imagine you’re stocking your own pantry. What would your family enjoy eating? Donating items that are appealing and familiar can make a big difference to the families receiving them. It helps ensure the food gets eaten and enjoyed!
- Check Those Dates: Always make sure the items you’re donating are within their “best by” or expiration dates and have their original labels. Food banks can’t distribute expired or unlabeled items.
Food Banks in Wichita | Where to Donate
Kansas Food Bank
The Kansas Food Bank serves as a central hub, rescuing food and distributing it to a network of hundreds of hunger-relief agencies across 85 counties in Kansas, including many local pantries.
- Address: 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211
- Hours:
- Lobby is open Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Donation Drop-off: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Donations Accepted: They accept food donations. For large food drives, they can often deliver and pick up bins and barrels on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Monetary donations are also highly effective.
Catholic Charities | Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
Catholic Charities operates a client-choice food pantry, allowing individuals to select items for their families.
- Address: 2825 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67216
- Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- 4th Saturday of the Month: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Donations Accepted: Non-perishable food items are always needed. They have a 24/7 food drop-off bin outside the pantry for convenience. Their wish list includes items like canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, and personal hygiene items.
His Helping Hands Food Pantry
His Helping Hands provides food, clothing, and household items to the community.
- Address: 1441 E. 37th St. N., Wichita, KS 67219
- Hours:
- Food Distribution: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (no appointment needed)
- Donation Drop-off: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Donations Accepted: They accept cash and non-cash donations. Click here to view the donation page for specific items.
Bread of Life Distribution Center
Bread of Life has been serving those in need since 1991, providing food and clothing.
- Address: 1301 E. Galena, Wichita, KS 67216
- Hours: Distribution is on Tuesdays only. Specific hours are not detailed on their website, calling ahead is recommended)
- Donations Accepted: They accept donations to help families in need.
Westside Good Neighbor Center
Westside Good Neighbor Center provides emergency food assistance to those in need within their service area.
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- Address: 3500 W. 13th St., Wichita, KS 67203
- Hours: Tuesdays, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM. Volunteers also serve on the second Saturday of each month from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
- Donations Accepted: Suggested food items include cereal or pop-tarts, canned goods, and 1 lb packages of pasta.
United Methodist Open Door – Community Food Ministry
United Methodist Open Door provides nutritionally balanced, emergency food assistance through its Community Food Ministry, the largest community-wide food-box program in the area.
- Address: 2130 E. 21st N., Wichita, KS 67214
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM (Lunch break) and 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM.
- Donations Accepted: Non-perishable canned goods and hygiene items are welcomed and deeply appreciated.
The Salvation Army – Mobile Food Pantry & Corps Community Centers
The Salvation Army operates a mobile food pantry to address food deserts in Wichita and also provides food assistance through its community centers.
- Mobile Food Pantry Schedule:
- Mondays: Goldenrod Park Community Center | 1340 S Pattie (near Washington & Lincoln)
- Tuesdays: Colvin Community Center | 2820 S Roosevelt
- (Check their website for the full schedule and times, as locations and hours can vary)
- Wichita West Orchard Corps Community Center:
- Address: (Specific address not listed, but serves the west Wichita area)
- Hours: Monday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Donations Accepted: Food items are accepted. Check with your nearest Salvation Army food pantry for specific needs.
HumanKind Ministries/Inter-Faith Ministries
HumanKind Ministries provides various assistance programs, including a food pantry.
- Address: 829 N Market St, Wichita, KS 67214
- Hours:
- Walk-in Pantry: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Donation Drop-off: Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 8:30 AM – Noon
- Donations Accepted: They accept food donations
Wichita Dream Center
The Dream Center aims to meet the spiritual and physical needs of families in the community by distributing food, clothing, and household items.
- Address: (Specific food pantry address not readily available, but they serve Wichita, KS)
- Hours: (Hours for food distribution vary, please contact them directly)
- Donations Accepted: They are a 100% flow-through non-profit, meaning all donations go directly to stated needs. They accept donations, including non-perishable groceries.
*Important Note for Readers: While we strive for accuracy, hours and donation needs for food pantries can sometimes change. We always recommend checking the organization’s website or calling ahead before visiting to ensure you have the most current information.
