Giving Back in Johnson County: Supporting Local Food Banks & Donation Drives
- Jazzy Ebido
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Every season is a good time to give back — but as food assistance programs are being taken away, our communities in the Kansas City Metro feel this need a little more deeply.
Whether it’s a bag of canned goods or a few hours volunteering, small acts of generosity add up to big change. Food banks and community pantries across the metro continue to feed families, seniors, and children in need — and they rely on local neighbors like us to keep their shelves stocked.
This month, we’re spotlighting a few trusted organizations where your donations can make the biggest impact.
1. Harvesters – The Community Food Network
Address: 3801 Topping Ave, Kansas City, MO 64129
Phone: (816) 929-3000
The heartbeat of hunger relief in our region, Harvesters serves more than 760 nonprofits across northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri — distributing millions of pounds of food every year.
How to help:
Dropping off nonperishable items at their Kansas City warehouse or at partner locations across Johnson County.
Hosting your own food or fund drive through their website’s Give Food page.
Volunteering to sort and pack donations — sign up here.
Most-needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, beans, tuna, and whole-grain pasta. Every dollar donated helps provide up to three meals for someone in need.
2. Kansas Food Bank
Address: 1919 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67211
Phone: (316) 265-3663
Serves 85 counties across the state, providing meals and essential food support to families, children, and seniors in need. Guided by its mission of compassionate “Hunger Care,” the organization works with local pantries and partners to fight food insecurity and ensure no Kansan goes hungry.
How to help:
Donate funds — just $1 can help provide up to four meals.
Donate food — non-perishable items can be dropped off or you can host a food drive.
Visit kansasfoodbank.org to learn more and give.
3. Second Harvest Community Food Bank Address: 915 Douglas St, St. Joseph, MO 64505
Phone: (816) 364-3663
Serving 18 counties across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, Second Harvest Community Food Bank is dedicated to building hunger-free communities through food distribution and education programs.
How to Help:
Donating online through their secure donation page.
Volunteering at their distribution center or community events.
Hosting a food or fund drive to collect essential items for families in need.
Every action — big or small — helps build a hunger-free community across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.
4. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas – Overland Park Family Support Center
Address: 9806 W 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: (913) 384-6608 Donate here
This center offers a client-choice food pantry where families can choose items that fit their needs. In addition to groceries, they provide diapers, hygiene products, and utility assistance. They welcome donations year-round and often host mobile food distributions throughout Johnson County. To coordinate a drop-off or make an online contribution, visit their donation information page
5. New Hope Food Pantry – Olathe Address: 13310 S Black Bob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062
Phone: (913) 782-7325 Donate here
New Hope Food Pantry operates as part of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Olathe, providing food and essential supplies to families in need throughout the community. Supported by donations from individuals, local businesses, and partner organizations, the pantry helps ensure that no family goes without. They also host food drives and encourage community involvement through volunteer opportunities and group donation efforts.
More Places to Donate or Volunteer in Northeast Johnson County
6. Mission Community Food Pantry Address: 5601 W 62nd St., Mission, KS 66202
7. Village Church Food Pantry Address: 9960 Mission Rd., Overland Park, KS 66206 Donate here
8. Renewed Hope Food Pantry
Address: 8714 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS 66212
Donate here
9. The Hope Market Address: 611 E Main St., Gardner, KS 66030
10. Colonial Presbyterian Church
Address: 12501 W 137th Street Overland Park, KS 66221
Donate here
Why It Matters
When we give, we strengthen our community. Food insecurity isn’t just a statistic — it’s a neighbor, a coworker, or a family member who needs a helping hand. Supporting local food banks keeps care close to home and hope within reach.
This season, take a moment to clear your pantry, organize a small drive, or make a quick online donation. Together, we can keep Northeast Johnson County nourished — one meal at a time.
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