Food Ministry

In Kansas, under-employment and low household income are key factors in the high need for food assistance. 71 percent of families utilizing food pantries have incomes at or below the federal poverty level. 54 percent of families served through Open Door’s Community Food Ministry have yearly incomes of less than $10,000. In addition to challenges related to employment, 80 percent of families utilizing food pantries in Kansas have difficulty providing enough nutritious meals for their household.

Open Door strives to provide the basics of good nutritional food. We offer two different food programs for those in need:

food ministry

Community Food Ministry

Community Food Ministry location: 2130 E. 21st N. Wichita, KS 67214

Phone: 316-267-4201

Hours: Monday –Friday 9:00 a.m. -11:45 (LUNCH) 1:00-3:45 p.m.

 Requirements for Assistance from Open Door:

  • Please bring your ID for all members of the household.
  • Proof of address (utility bill, other bill).
  • Verification of all income for the household. Must be at 130% of poverty level. For example, a family of four would qualify with a gross monthly income of $3,250 (2023), or have special circumstances such as high medical expenses, layoff or furloughed.

The Community Food Ministry (CFM) is the largest community-wide, food-box program in the area and provides nutritionally balanced, emergency food assistance once per month for individuals and families in need. The food box includes items such as canned fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, macaroni and cheese, soup and bread. A total of 20,298 boxes of food were served in 2022.

Free USDA commodity foods under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are also distributed 6 months per year to qualifying families living in Sedgwick County. This free food box provides additional canned fruits and vegetables, juice, meat, cereal, peanut butter, nonfat dry milk and pasta.

Spanish translation is available, as well as referrals to other Open Door programs and information regarding other helping agencies within the community.

Often the question is asked about the difference between us and the Kansas Food Bank. The Community Food Ministry works closely with the Kansas Food Bank (KFB). The KFB, one of our most valuable partners, is a food warehouse and distributes to food pantries in the state, such as Open Door’s Community Food Ministry. The CFM then distributes the foods from KFB, and other sources, directly to individuals and families in need.

Approximately 42% of the food the Community Food Ministry distributes comes from our partnership with the Kansas Food Bank, both through their donated and purchased food programs. The rest comes from monetary and direct in-kind food donations.

Donations of non-perishable canned goods and hygiene items are welcomed and deeply appreciated.

Individuals and families must qualify at 130% of the federal poverty level, based on the Monthly Income Guidelines – use the link below.

To apply, bring the following information at the time of your visit:

  1. Verification of all household gross monthly income. We will accept the most recent Social Security statement, pay stub/earnings statement or an unemployment letter. If you have special circumstances, such as large recurring medical expenses, it will be considered in meeting income requirements. If you have special circumstances, please call ahead to discuss with the Community Service director, 316.267.4201.
  2.  Proof of identity for all members of the household. We accept driver’s license, Kansas ID card, Social Security card, birth certificate, immunization card or a military ID card.
  3. Proof of address. CFM is a residence-based food program. Homeless individuals are referred to Open Door Homeless Resource Center for assistance. We will accept a utility bill or letter that has been mailed to you.

  Monthly Income Guidelines  

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These people are saving lives, it’s incredible. They are kind, fast, professional, and offer a large portion of balanced food choices.

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Excellent service and friendly staff

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL
FOOD PROGRAM

Hours: Monday –Friday 9:00 a.m. -11:45 (LUNCH) 1:00-3:45 p.m.

In 2022, the CSFP served 13,790 food boxes in the 11-county area.

This is a monthly food-box program for income-eligible elders age 60 and older. This program’s food is provided by the USDA through the State of Kansas and may include such items as canned juice, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat, peanut butter or dry beans, cereal, macaroni or rice and 2 pounds of cheese for each family member who qualifies by age and income.

Open Door’s program is available in 11 Kansas counties: Butler, Chautauqua, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Pratt, Reno, Sedgwick, Stafford and Sumner. If you live in a county other than those listed, you may visit Kansas Department of Children and Families or contact Open Door’s CSFP Coordinator, at 316.267.0511.

People age 60 and older qualify at 130% of the federal poverty level. The current income guidelines are listed here.

To apply, bring the following information to complete the application:

  1. Proof of identity and age. We will accept a driver’s license, birth certificate, medical card with birthdate shown or an immunization card.
  2. Proof of residency. We will accept a utility bill or letter that has been mailed to you.
  3. Proof of your gross monthly income (before taxes and expenses). If you are a Social Security beneficiary, please bring a copy of your most recent Social Security statement.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement | USDA

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