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FORT SCOTT —
Beacon Inc., a food pantry serving Bourbon County, received a $50,000 contribution from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program in a brief ceremony Monday at the Fort Scott Walmart Supercenter.
Funds will be used to provide fresh fruits and vegetables in sacks of food distributed to families and individuals in need.
“On behalf of the Beacon, its board members, staff and clients, we would like to express our gratitude to the Walmart Foundation for its generous grant to our organization,” said Lynette Westhoff, Beacon board president.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins attended the ceremony.
“Hunger is very real in Bourbon County and 46 million in the United States are on food stamps today,” Jenkins said. “This is why programs like the Kansas Walmart State Giving Program are so important. It’s great to see a private sector leader like Walmart working together with non-profits, communities, associates and customers to give back and make sure no child goes to bed hungry.”
Walmart market manager Jeff Hunter said that the Walmart Foundation was very pleased to support the Beacon and is committed to helping those in need in communities served by Walmart.
“What a great day in Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” Hunter said. “This is part of Walmart’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger. Through this grant, we are hopeful that Bourbon County residents will be well-served with these healthy additions to the food bags.”
Connie Banwart, longtime Beacon volunteer, said that this will enable the organization to put fresh fruits and vegetables in Christmas baskets.
Westhoff said that it was Banwart who obtained the forms and information needed to apply for the grant.
“She did tireless work to get it,” Westhoff said.
Not only did the Beacon get the grant, it received more than it requested.
“We asked for $30,000 and got $50,000,” Banwart said.
The non-profit Beacon is the only food pantry in Bourbon County, though several local churches also provide food assistance as they are able.
“It started in 1985 in a closet at the Baptist Church,” Banwart said.
Now, Westhoff said, the Beacon aids 500 families each month. Those in need may visit the food pantry twice a month.
Dale Johnson, Beacon treasurer, said that the organization also receives regular donations of fresh produce, fresh meat and bakery goods from Walmart through the Feeding America program.
“We give out bakery goods, some meat and apples, oranges, bananas, potatoes, onions and either broccoli or carrots,” Johnson said. “We get around two tons of food a quarter, or around eight tons a year.”
Without the grant and the other food assistance, the Beacon was able to provide mainly canned foods and bread, with the protein sources primarily canned tuna or peanut butter.
Banwart believes the cooperation between non-profit agencies, communities and businesses are vital to fighting hunger or solving other problems.
“When we all work together, we get it done,” she said.
Beacon Inc., a food pantry serving Bourbon County, received a $50,000 contribution from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program in a brief ceremony Monday at the Fort Scott Walmart Supercenter.
Funds will be used to provide fresh fruits and vegetables in sacks of food distributed to families and individuals in need.
“On behalf of the Beacon, its board members, staff and clients, we would like to express our gratitude to the Walmart Foundation for its generous grant to our organization,” said Lynette Westhoff, Beacon board president.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins attended the ceremony.
“Hunger is very real in Bourbon County and 46 million in the United States are on food stamps today,” Jenkins said. “This is why programs like the Kansas Walmart State Giving Program are so important. It’s great to see a private sector leader like Walmart working together with non-profits, communities, associates and customers to give back and make sure no child goes to bed hungry.”
Walmart market manager Jeff Hunter said that the Walmart Foundation was very pleased to support the Beacon and is committed to helping those in need in communities served by Walmart.
“What a great day in Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” Hunter said. “This is part of Walmart’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger. Through this grant, we are hopeful that Bourbon County residents will be well-served with these healthy additions to the food bags.”
Connie Banwart, longtime Beacon volunteer, said that this will enable the organization to put fresh fruits and vegetables in Christmas baskets.
Westhoff said that it was Banwart who obtained the forms and information needed to apply for the grant.
“She did tireless work to get it,” Westhoff said.
Not only did the Beacon get the grant, it received more than it requested.
“We asked for $30,000 and got $50,000,” Banwart said.
The non-profit Beacon is the only food pantry in Bourbon County, though several local churches also provide food assistance as they are able.
“It started in 1985 in a closet at the Baptist Church,” Banwart said.
Now, Westhoff said, the Beacon aids 500 families each month. Those in need may visit the food pantry twice a month.
Dale Johnson, Beacon treasurer, said that the organization also receives regular donations of fresh produce, fresh meat and bakery goods from Walmart through the Feeding America program.
“We give out bakery goods, some meat and apples, oranges, bananas, potatoes, onions and either broccoli or carrots,” Johnson said. “We get around two tons of food a quarter, or around eight tons a year.”
Without the grant and the other food assistance, the Beacon was able to provide mainly canned foods and bread, with the protein sources primarily canned tuna or peanut butter.
Banwart believes the cooperation between non-profit agencies, communities and businesses are vital to fighting hunger or solving other problems.
“When we all work together, we get it done,” she said.
