Make a Difference Today

785-827-7111 | 255 S Chicago | Salina

Salina Emergency Aid / Food Bank serves people in need by giving food to the hungry and by helping with emergency needs for rent, utilities, medicine, dental care and transportation. We strive to be a beacon of hope and love in our community, and to serve our clients with dignity and respect.

Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank (EAFB) began in 1971 as a project

of several local churches. Forty years ago, there was no central

community location for a needy family to seek help. It was a common

practice when in need to “knock on the pastor’s door.” Churches stocked

small food pantries and maintained funds to help with emergencies.

Several churches decided to pursue the idea of having one location supported by their congregations. Pooling resources would enable more people in need to be served efficiently.

Stocking that community food bank produced a city-wide drive called “Pounding Sundays” in participating churches. Members were asked to bring non-perishable foods, in one pound quantities, to fill the shelves. That idea persists today as many Salina churches regularly donate food and money to EAFB operations.

For much of its life, EAFB operated in the basement of Memorial Hall, in space provided by the city of Salina. But as clientele and programs expanded, the agency outgrew the space. Under the leadership of Kathy Jackson, administrator, EAFB received funding to build its present quarters at 255 S. Chicago. Now 14 years old, the building houses offices, a teaching kitchen, a food pantry and a warehouse for food storage. A large garden on the premises supplies fresh vegetables for clients.

In 2015, EAFB distributed close to 340,000 food items. Over its 45-year history, the agency has become much more than just a food pantry. As payee for impaired adults, EAFB manages close to $870,000 each year in Social Security payments for between 80 and 140 clients. The teaching kitchen program offers a variety of classes (for adults and children) in nutrition, healthful cooking and grocery budgeting. Help is available for homeless prevention by providing emergency funds for rent and utilities. As churches partnered in the early days, EAFB now partners with other community service agencies, networking to provide essential services for clients.

Throughout its 45 years, EAFB has always been a sign of hope to those less fortunate than ourselves. Our mission is to serve people in need with dignity and respect. 

At Salina Emergency Aid / Food Bank we are working to create hope and the opportunity for a better community. But we can only do it with your help. Join with us in our mission and donate now.

It all began 1971.....

Salina Emergency Aid / Food Bank's Commitment