A Citizen of Leavenworth: Rik’s Story

As the line begins to snake into the street, Iris Arnold instructs neighbors who are waiting to pick up boxes of food supplied by the USDA’s TEFAP (The Emergency Food Program) to hug the walls of the 11,000-square-foot Leavenworth Mission.

Arnold began her hunger mission 15 years ago when she started picking up enough day-old bread from Kansas City grocery stores to fill her van. It wasn’t long before she needed to enlist additional vehicles to help carry the load.

Two years ago, her efforts to feed her community found a permanent home when the building’s owner signed the property deed over to the mission.

“That’s how we knew we were meant to be,” said Arnold, the director of the combination thrift store and pantry located at 123 N. Broadway St.

During a monthly TEFAP distribution, 130 families weave through the thrift store and pantry to pick up grocery baskets of emergency food.

As the need for food in the Leavenworth community continues to grow, Arnold gets the word out to the community through an active social media page with 5,000 followers and word of mouth.

“We definitely need more food,” she said after shutting the door for the night and surveying the few cans of vegetables left on the Harvesters pallet. “I’ve been concerned on Harvesters’ end with the (government) cuts, and we’re wondering how that is going to impact the clientele that we serve.”

She is thankful for Harvesters’ partnership.

“We appreciate every effort Harvesters makes everyday because we know that it’s a challenge for them as well. We’re just grateful for each and everything they provide for us. We know they are doing their best,” she said.