785-827-7111 | 255 S Chicago | Salina
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 commitment and donate now.
Our Mission is Simple
Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank engages our community to provide emergency needs for food, shelter, and well-being.
- Leo Merrill
- Steve Johnson
- April Rickman
- Eric Moore
- Cassie Shields
- Dr. Michelle Case
- Jan Hamman
- Addressing hunger needs throughout Saline County
- Homelessness prevention
- Educating adults and youth in ways that improve their future food security
We are committed to "filing pantries and filling lives."
We are a charitable organization committed to helping those in our community in need. We offer several food programs and limited financial assistance. We strive to keep families nourished and to teach them how to stretch their food dollars by providing education. Our agency operates totally on donations of money and food from members of our community.
We recognize that food insecurity is linked to poor nutrition, poor health, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. Therefore, we have adopted a Nutrition Policy to outline our commitment to making thoughtful decisions about the foods we acquire, purchase and distribute.
2026 BOARD of DIRECTORS
YOU CAN HELP - DONATE TODAY!
Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank (EAFB) began in 1971 as a project of several local churches. At the time, 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 the administrator, EAFB received funding to build its present quarters at 255 S. Chicago. 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.
During 2018 an active group of volunteers assisted EAFB in the distribution of more than 408,000 food items. Over its 53-year history, the agency has become much more than just a food pantry. 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.
EAFB has always been a sign of hope to those experiencing financial difficulties and finding themselves in need. Our purpose is to serve people in need with dignity and respect.
- Cal Smith
- Susan Hawksworth
- Barb Goode
- Brittany Willer
Our History
- Becky Howey
- McDowell Steele
- Julia Ramos
- Mary Lou Ruppl
Who We Are