With status of SNAP benefits changing frequently over the last two weeks, the United Way of the Flint Hills made some short-term headway to address local food insecurity to close out the work week.
The United Say says community support, including donations, let the United Way fill every blessing box around town. Blessing boxes are scattered across town and give people quick access to food and other supplies if they are in need. Director Daphne Mertens tells KVOE News blessing boxes are getting emptied almost as fast as they are filled.
Separately but connected, the United Way has filled its Thanksgiving meal slots for around 20 families served by SparkWheel as part of an effort also including Emporia State University’s TRIO program. This is the second year for this effort, and Mertens says this holiday season is setting up to tough for a lot of people.
CareArc, the Emporia Supper Club, Lucas and Amy Moody and several other community members provided food and money for the project. Residents can still donate to the United Way for emergency food relief or extra Thanksgiving boxes, dropping off money or food items to the United Way office inside the Kress Center.
Along with external donations, the United Way has set aside an unspecified amount of reserve funds to help. Mertens says the federal government shutdown is doing residents no favors at this time.
Mertens also says United Way staffers are noticing what she calls an unprecedented demand for services while the traditional fundraising campaign hits high gear.
Emporia blessing box locations
1. Dog Tag Pet Wash (1105 Commercial Pantry), 1107A Commercial St or 1105 Commercial (House), At curb on West side of Commercial – almost to corner of 11th Ave & Commercial
2. Kiwanis Club- 11th Ave & Congress (On SW corner at the intersection by the sidewalk going West from the intersection)
3. Grace United Methodist Church- 2 Neosho St (On Neosho just to the North of the South Ave & Neosho intersection)
4. Free Will Baptist Church- 1720 E. 6th Ave/Hwy 50 (At the sign along North side of 6th just to the East of Weaver)
5. Embrace Church- 428 Union St (On the East side of Union about halfway between 5th and 4th Ave)
6. Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus- 1702 W 15th Ave (At sidewalk at the West drive for the church on the North side of 15th Ave)
7. CareArc- 420 W 15th Ave (At East drive to the health center on the North side of 15th)
8. Leap of Faith Martial Arts LLC- 618 Merchant St
9. Walnut Elementary School- 801 Grove Ave, On Grove Ave (one-way street going East) by the entrance to the school
10. Norton & So Exchange- 710 Commercial St
11. Bloom House Youth Services- 301 W 11th Ave
12. Messiah Lutheran Church- 1101 Neosho St
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By: Chuck Samples - Nov 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM