DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Manhattan is a special community. We are a population that is always changing, but also with deep roots. The Breadbasket has the honor of being rooted in our community for the past 40 years, being founded in 1982 as a means to reduce food waste and address hunger.

This has been a busy year, with a change in directors and staff. Our continued success is a testament to the deep commitment of our volunteers and supporters. They have allowed space and support for new services and policies that we know are allowing us to have a wider reach.

During the past year, FHBB has connected with a number of groups in our community who previously were not accessing our services. We have been able to reach people new to our country from Afghanistan as well as members of our Spanish speaking communities. We have made significant strides in offering documents in English and Spanish that help our guests understand our policies and access support.

Menstrual supplies are a new item that we have offered since October. These items are in high demand at all area service agencies and it is a great blessing to be able to offer these items to our guests. A grant from the Memorial Hospital Association allowed a bulk purchase of pads and tampons from TOP. We have also been approved as a partner agency with the Alliance for Period Poverty, which will allow us access to other resources to support this service over time.

Overall, we have seen a consistent growth in utilization of our services. The frequency and intensity of need is growing amongst families across the nation, and Manhattan is not exempt. From November 1st through the end of the year, we served 752 unduplicated households, with 272 (36%) being first time guests. We could not respond to this level of need without your support. Thank you for your time, talents, and gifts. Your support of our work at the Flint Hills Breadbasket makes an immediate and significant difference in the lives of many people in our community. It is seen and greatly appreciated.
Karla