Word should be coming soon on whether Abundant Harvest can resume its popular Free at 3 food giveaway.
Director Lee Alderman says Abundant Harvest has given out roughly $20,000 worth of food per week since May — up from the typical $500 to $1,000. Government contracts have been released for dairy and produce providers, but they haven’t yet been signed. once that happens, Alderman says the food giveaway may shift from Wednesday afternoons to Saturday mornings. He hopes EVCO will be part of the mix if the program returns.
During KVOE’s Talk of Emporia this week, Alderman said the contract could go one to three years. With Free at 3’s popularity spanning across the area before the program halted last month, Abundant Harvest had put its normal evening meal schedule on hold. That returns Monday, and Alderman says meals will be served Mondays and Wednesdays as was the case shortly before the coronavirus pandemic came to the KVOE listening area. People will get four meals when they show up instead of three before the pandemic.
Alderman said a capital campaign was developing to help with food storage. Final details, including the target fundraising amount, could be announced before Thanksgiving.
Alderman also discussed other needs for other ministries he and his wife, Carol, help to administer. The Rescue Mission needs winter coats and other winter gear, while Shiloh Home of Hope needs clothing, diapers — especially the larger ones — and baby wipes.
Alderman closed the program with an update on the Rescue Mission’s longstanding push to find new space, in part due to the condition of the current building at 1115 Merchant and in part due to a pending expansion of the Kwik Shop next door.
Other details won’t be announced until the purchase is made.
For information on any or all three ministries, call Alderman at 794-2977.
