Grants provided by Frontier Farm Credit Working Here Fund for Hunger and Nutrition and Kansas Volunteer Commission

LAWRENCE, KANSAS – The Ballard Center received a $2,000 grant from Frontier Farm Credit’s Working Here Fund and a $500 grant from the Kansas Volunteer Commission. The money from these grants allows Ballard to participate in the 2020 9/11 National Day of Service. The Ballard Center, in partnership with volunteers from Central National Bank, will use these funds to create and distribute kits with food, clothing and toiletries to homeless Ballard pantry clients.

The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, who worked to establish charitable service day as a forward-thinking way to honor 9/11 victims, survivors, and others who rose up in service.

Central National Bank volunteers will pack the kits on Thursday, September 10. After that, the Ballard Center will distribute them to its homeless pantry clients who make an appointment. An appointment can be made by calling 785-842-0729.

The Working Here Fund grant will be used to purchase food items to feed the homeless population Ballard serves. Individuals who are homeless face barriers when receiving food as they do not have access to refrigeration or food storage therefore food will be provided that is portable, easy to eat and packed with nutrients.

“During 2019, the Ballard Center served 122 homeless individuals who made 353 visits to the pantry,” Ballard Center CEO Becky Price said. “Grant funds will allow the Ballard Center to supply homeless individuals with better, more nutritious food choices.”

The goal is to provide at least five nutrition-packed food items each time individuals visit and to improve the overall well-being of homeless clients.

“We are proud to support organizations dedicated to addressing food and hunger issues in our local communities,” said Jeremy Fritz, regional vice president of retail operations at Frontier Farm Credit’s Baldwin City’s office.

Ballard Center is one of eight organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the second quarter of 2020.

In addition to food items, toiletries such as soap, conditioner, deodorant will be purchased in addition to socks and gloves, which are items that in high demand by the homeless population as the temperature drops.

About the Ballard Center
The Ballard Center partners with families to achieve stability through early childhood education and needs-based services. Along with an early education program, they provide the community with pantry services for food, clothing and personal care items at no cost.