Abundant Harvest will not be closing its doors in less than a month as originally planned, although its doors will still be closing in the near future.
Wednesday afternoon, the United Way of the Flint Hills announced that operations through the community food kitchen will continue at least through the remainder of the calendar year. This is due to the support that has been pledged by the United Way and the City of Emporia.
According to United Way of the Flint Hills Director Daphne Merterns and City Manager Trey Cocking, the Emporia Rescue Mission Board of Directors has committed to continue operations through the remainder of the calendar year with the expectation of support from both entities. According to Mertens, the finer details as to exactly what that support will look like are being determined at this time.
Cocking says it will likely come in the form of finances; however, they still need additional information from the board of directors before making any moves in that direction.
Both Cocking and Mertens explained that this support will only be a short-term solution to the issue, with Mertens noting the extension in operations is simply to allow time for the United Way to identify a different community partner that can take over the role Abundant has played in the community.
Cocking says the Emporia Rescue Mission Board has been given until Monday to come forward with additional information, including a budget for operations, with, hopefully, more information to be made available by early next week. KVOE News has reached out to Emporia Rescue Mission Board President Peter Deblonk for comment.
5:05 pm Wednesday: Abundant Harvest to continue operations through 2025 following pledged support from City of Emporia and United Way of the Flint Hills
Abundant Harvest will not be closing its doors in less than a month as originally planned.
Wednesday afternoon, the United Way of the Flint Hills announced that operations through the community food kitchen will continue at least through the remainder of the calendar year. This is due to support that has been pledged by the United Way and the City of Emporia.
KVOE News has reached out to the city and United Way leadership for comment. Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more updates as they are made available.
