by Amy Reinhardt
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Food prices continue to climb.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food-at-home skyrocketed 29.4% between 2020 and 2025.
This equates to a family of four spending more than $1,000 a month on groceries — an amount some families just don’t have.
Fortunately, one outreach of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is its seven brick-and-mortar food pantries throughout the archdiocese.
And they are seeing the increased need, said Amelia Reyes, chief program officer.
The Wyandotte County food pantry served 10,000 individuals in 2025, which was a 7% increase from the previous year.
“With the cost of food rising, more people are visiting our food pantry and needing to use it as a supplemental way to make sure they have enough food to put on the table,” Reyes said.
The three-story building at 600 Minnesota Ave. was secured during the height of the pandemic. The space wasn’t the most conducive, said Reyes, but they made it work because its location helped them serve the community that needed them.
“We decided if we were going to remain here and be committed, we really needed to make this space more inviting and dignified for all our customers coming in to shop,” said Reyes.
The remodel added a large waiting area with plenty of seating and a large monitor to advertise Catholic Charities programs.
Kathleen Currie, volunteer engagement manager, praised the remodel. She described the revamped food pantry as open, bright, airy and accurately resembling a grocery store.
Catholic Charities uses a client-choice model for its food pantries. Reyes explained that a major benefit of that model is that it helps cut down on waste.
“We want them to feel like they’re having a grocery store experience and not visiting a pantry where they’re being handed whatever is available,” she said. “This way, they can shop for what they really need and want for themselves and their family.”
The Wyandotte County food pantry is open Monday through Thursday. Approximately 75 families visit the pantry on each of these days.
While staff members like Reyes and Currie are critical, it is volunteers who fuel the work of Catholic Charities.
Core volunteers fulfill a regular shift. Eighteen individuals contribute 200 volunteer hours per month at the Minnesota Ave. location.
“We see our volunteers as part of our workforce. We mobilize the laity and provide them with the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need, as the Gospel instructs us,” said Camille Pickhinke, senior director of community engagement.
A volunteer shift lasts three hours. During a shift at the food pantry, a volunteer will either work the front desk to greet and sign in clients, or stock shelves and assist clients in their shopping experience.
Carol Hansen and Alfred Gutierrez are two Catholic Charities volunteers.
Hansen, a retired critical care nurse, began volunteering two years ago. She started in the food pantry, but when she saw a need in the clothing closet, she transitioned.
The clothing closet represents another facet of support for Wyandotte County residents.
Similar to the food pantry, the clothing closet is a client-choice experience. There is dignity in clean clothing as well as nutritious food, said Pickhinke.
Hansen remembers a few individuals she helped who were nervous about upcoming job interviews. She managed to help them find professional outfits that would give them the confidence they deserved.
The remodel benefited the clothing closet by getting all the items on racks. The next step will be getting everything tagged with sizes.
Alfred Gutierrez became a volunteer three months ago. He felt a warm welcome from the staff and became passionate about the mission of Catholic Charities. He implores others to consider joining him and Hansen.
“I think when they get here, they’re going to see that not only are they helping, but that there’s a need,” he said. “Soon, they’re going to want to be here all the time.”
Currie’s primary job is seeking out volunteers in the community, including civic, parish and corporate groups.
“What I appreciate most about our volunteers is their willingness to share their story, be present in the moment with our clients and provide a dignified shopping experience,” she said.
If you’re interested in more information about the volunteer process, send an email to: ccnekvolunteers@catholiccharitiesks.org or call (913) 433-2100 and ask to speak to a volunteer engagement team member.
“We really have a volunteer opportunity for everybody,” said Currie. “We encourage you to take a look at our website and figure out where your skills fit.”
The need is high right now in Wyandotte County. Becoming a volunteer is a unique opportunity to come and meet the need where it’s at, said Reyes.
Volunteer Needs
Food pantry
• Front desk
M, T, W 8:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m.
Th 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Stocking and assistance
T, W, Th 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
M, W 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Clothing closet
M, W 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
M, W 1 – 4 p.m.
