KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Community organizations are still feeling the strain of more families needing food assistance, but they continue to help people day after day.
Bethel Neighborhood Center canceled many of its programs, but is still serving more people now than ever before.
"We've seen even more in the last two weeks. People especially working in the Triumph Foods and the other meat packing places. They no longer feel safe to work there, and they came and asked for food," said Mang Sonna, executive director for Bethel.
Sonna said people find Bethel by searching online or through referrals from other organizations.
In April, Bethel served 350 families and gave out 400 masks. They don't ask for an ID or proof of Wyandotte County residency anymore, they just want to help.
"Even the food we provide, we try to be sensitive, culturally. We don't just want to give food because there is food, we would like to give what people actually eat," Sonna said.
Bethel's staff asked recipients what they like to eat and made a list. Sonna said he made two trips last month to ethnic grocery stores and loaded up with a lot of food to supplement their pantry.
Sonna said he expects to be able to feed this amount of families throughout the summer with help from local churches and other donors.
Even amid a pandemic, you'll see Kansas City, Kansas, relies on diversity to feed the community.
"I think people are hesitant to ask, but when you offer they're very very grateful to have a lunch and it's a good lunch" said Becky Gripp, founder of The Tamale Kitchen.
Every Friday, the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA), The Tamale Kitchen and Chow Now are serving free tamales and a box of food sponsored by a local restaurant. This Friday, it was BBQ from Blind Box in Shawnee.
"It helps us stay involved in the community and with the people who are in most need and who may not reach out, but who are here every single day," said Gripp.
The Tamale Kitchen employs women to make dozens of tamales to sell and ultimately provide for their families. They are based in northeast Kansas City, Missouri, but Gripp said working together with organizations in KCK help build a bridge because the need is everywhere.
These organizations rely on strong partnerships and donations to keep the pantries and the boxes full.
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