The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank is set to become more accessible than ever before. Thanks to the generous support of Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, an initiative spearheaded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), a new sidewalk will soon be constructed.
The initiative recently presented two substantial donations totaling $200,000 to bolster accessibility in the area. The City of Salina will receive funding to install sidewalks connecting the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank with CityGo bus stops along both Broadway and College Streets. Additionally, the food bank itself will see enhancements with expanded parking facilities and improved access, thanks to the second donation.
For locals who rely on walking or biking to access the food bank, the lack of sidewalks has posed significant challenges. Furthermore, limited parking space has hindered the ease of loading groceries for many patrons. Karen Couch, Director of the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the positive impact these improvements will have on the community. "Our clients and gardeners have requested additional parking spaces and bike racks, and this grant fulfills those needs," Couch stated. "We are thrilled for the improvements funded by this grant, which will undoubtedly enhance accessibility and user experience."
This transformative initiative has been made possible through collaborative efforts, including the involvement of Live Well Saline County, a community coalition. Over the past two years, their participation in the Pathways initiative has yielded substantial contributions totaling $300,000. These funds have supported various projects aimed at improving health and well-being initiatives in Saline County, ranging from initiatives at Salina Regional Health Center to the latest enhancements benefiting clients of the food bank.
The investment in infrastructure and accessibility not only improves the quality of life for residents but also underscores the community's commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential services. With these improvements on the horizon, Salina is poised to become a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its residents.