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

 
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NEWSLETTER

Facebook events

Mayor’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive

The Mayor’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive is a community wide fundraiser that brings Manhattan together to help families in need. Hunger exists year round. The need for food assistance is most intense in November and December because of the demand for additional necessities. During the holidays, the Breadbasket will offer the special favorites for guests to select from our pantries. Every family has different preferences and traditions, so we want to make those foods available.

It costs approximately $40 to provide holiday food for a family of four. If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to:

The Mayor's Holiday Food and Fund Drive
905 Yuma
Manhattan, KS 66502

Your gift qualifies as a charitable contribution per the IRS code.
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Food donations are always welcome at the Flint Hills Breadbasket, especially during the Holidays! Some suggestions for donations:

Perishable Items​

• Ham
• Fresh Vegetables
• Dairy (yogurt, cheese)

Non-perishable Foods

• Instant Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing
• Mixed Vegetables
  
• Please call for current needs 537-0730

souper bowl

The Manhattan Souper Bowl began in 1995 with effort from Bill Kennedy and area churches and organizations. The Souper Bowl encourages Manhattan residents to give canned goods on and around Super Bowl Sunday, to help stock our shelves with warm soups for the winter months.

​If your church or local business would like to “Be in the Souper Bowl” call us at (785) 537-0730.

Project Manhattan Food & Fund Drive

Project Manhattan is a month long food & fund drive to help the Flint Hills Breadbasket stock our shelves for the upcoming summer months. Local businesses involve employees and customers by collecting food and funds through the month of May. Project Manhattan is a wonderful way to promote teamwork within your organization. Here are some tips for a successful campaign:
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1. Appoint a Coordinator to motivate the team
2. Choose one food item to be collected
3. Get involved in the Take a Swing at Hunger Golf Tournament

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If your business would like to participate in Project Manhattan or if you would like more information, please contact us at 537-0730 or via e-mail.​

Annual Meeting and Volunteer Luncheon

​The Flint Hills Breadbasket will recognize our generous volunteers and donors at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Luncheon on June, 17, 2022. Enjoy an event of fellowship and camaraderie as we thank the community for continued service and support of the Breadbasket. The Annual Meeting includes the recognition of staff and officers and the presentation of the Dorothy McCutcheon Volunteer of the Year award, the Atina Hanna Fellowship award, and the Project Manhattan award.
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For location and time, please call (785) 537-0730.

Take a Swing at Hunger Golf Tournament ​

The Take a Swing at Hunger Charity Golf Tournament is a project held in conjunction with Project Manhattan. There are several ways to be involved with the tournament, whether you want to play in the tournament, donate an item to be given away, or sponsor a cart or hole; contribution makes a difference!
If your business would like to participate in the golf tournament or if you would like more information, please contact us at (785) 537-0730 or via e-mail. The 27th Take a Swing at Hunger Golf Tournament will be held at Colbert Hills on May 2, 2022.

The Manhattan Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Returning to Manhattan in 2023...discussions are underway to revive the Manhattan Community Thanksgiving Dinner. With changes in several of the key organizations, it will take a little more time to regroup and plan this community event.
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CATS FOR CANS

Saturday, October 29th
​Join the Breadbasket as we cheer on the KSU Wildcats football team in their matchup against Oklahoma State. Please bring your financial or non-perishable food donations to help KSU athletes support the community and the Breadbasket. Food collection bins will be conveniently located at the gates. This important food drive enables the Flint Hills Breadbasket to provide food assistance to those in need in our Manhattan community.

Crop Walk

Millions of people around the world walk long distances every day…

• To get water for daily needs
• To bring home food for their families
• To find safe shelter
• To go to school
  
  

Make a difference in Manhattan and around the world, join the Crop Walk or sponsor a Cropwalker.
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The Crop Walk is held in October and it starts at the First Presbyterian Church at 8th & Leavenworth. The Flint Hills Breadbasket is currently recruiting walkers and sponsors, please call 537-0730 or email us to participate.

Helping Stop Hunger Step by Step!​

Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

 Friday, December 2nd at 5:30  
​Join Manhattan and the surrounding communities as we welcome the holiday season at the Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade.  The parade will travel down Poyntz in Downtown Manhattan to Aggieville.   Cash awards will be given for Best Youth Entry, Best Use of Lights, Best Bicycle Entry, and the Mayor’s Trophy!