DIRECTOR'S NOTE

​With luck, spring will soon be here, and I think we all look forward to more sunshine and warmer weather.  Many thanks to all of you who helped fill the warehouse last fall before the holidays. We asked, and you responded with generosity and enthusiasm.  That is what makes Manhattan so special.  The next few food and fund drives  all happen in May.  Our major events will be the Postal Carriers Collection, Project Manhattan, and the Flint Hills Breadbasket Golf Tournament have all been cancelled or postponed.  All of these are wonderful ways to get involved and help those in need of food assistance. So, if you would like to be a sponsor for the golf tournament or play, please let me know.
If you would like a speaker for an event or meeting, please call the Breadbasket a call at 785-537-0730. I would be delighted to tell you and your organization about all of our activities.   
Warm Regards,
Maribeth

NEWSLETTER

 
​Download the Spring 2020 newsletter.

Mayor’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive

The Mayor’s Christmas 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 distributes food baskets to Manhattan families in need.

It costs approximately $40 to provide a food basket 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

• Small to Medium Turkey
• Turkey Breast
• Ham

Non-perishable Foods

• Canned Pumpkin
• Large Box of Instant Potatoes
• Stuffing Mix
• Canned Fruit

Mayor’s Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

 Friday, December (tba)  Because of COVID-19 we are waiting to hear from the Mayor on this event.

​Join Manhattan and the surrounding communities as we welcome the holiday season at the Mayor’s Christmas Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony! The first Friday of December we will all gather together on Poyntz in Downtown Manhattan and watch as the lighted floats travel from the Manhattan Town Center to Aggieville. Cash awards will be given for Best Youth Entry, Spirit of the Breadbasket, Best Use of Lights, Best Foot Entry, Best Bicycle Entry, and the Mayor’s Trophy! There will be volunteers collecting food and funds along the parade route.
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Bring the kids out to see Santa Claus in Triangle Park and watch the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony immediately following the parade!

We hope to see you there!

For more information, please call (785) 537-0730.

The Manhattan Community Thanksgiving Dinner

UPDATE:  Because of the Covid-19 the 2020 Thanksgivng meal at Old Chicago has been cancelled.   
​The Flint Hills Breadbasket and Manhattan residents come together for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal filled with fellowship and fun! The FREE dinner is for any and all in the community who want a hot meal and great companionship. Sit alongside your family and friends as we celebrate the season of giving.

How You Can Take Part...

1. Join us for dinner, and bring some friends!
2. Spread the word: the Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held at Old Chicago from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Address is: 2001 Clock Tower Place (corner of Kimball & Vanesta) at Old Chicago.
3. Make a donation to help defray the dinner costs.

​For more information, call us at (785) 537-0730 or email. Let us know today how you plan to be a part of Manhattan community tradition.

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.

CATS FOR CANS

Saturday, (tba)  Because of Covid-10, we are not sure how this will take place, please check back.
​Join the Breadbasket as we cheer on the KSU Wildcats football team October 10th. Please bring cash 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 and KSU Student Athletes will be collecting throughout the parking lots. This important food drive enables the Flint Hills Breadbasket to provide food assistance to those in need in our Manhattan community.

National Association of Letter Carriers
​Annual Food Drive​

Cancelled!  Our local Manhattan Letter Carriers will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Breadbasket the second Saturday in May. Just leave your food items in a grocery sack by the mailbox, your letter carrier will pick up your donation while delivering your mail!
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What a great team! The community, our letter carriers, and the Flint Hills Breadbasket!!

Project Manhattan Food & Fund Drive

Cancelled!  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.​

Take a Swing at Hunger Golf Tournament ​

Postponed until 2021!  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 give 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 25th Take a Swing at Hunger Golf Tournament will be held at the Manhattan County Club on May 11, 2020.

Annual Meeting and Volunteer Luncheon

Cancelled for 2020:  The Flint Hills Breadbasket recognizes its generous volunteers and donors at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Luncheon held in June. Enjoy an event of fellowship and camaraderie as we thank the community for continued service and support of the Breadbasket. The Annual Meeting business includes the recognition of staff and officers and presentation of the Dorothy McCutcheon Volunteer of the Year award, Atina Hanna Fellowship award, and Project Manhattan award.
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For location and time, please call (785) 537-0730.

Crop Walk

 (tba) 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!​