Michelle Coats, Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas, and Daniel Craig, Cancer Outreach Coordinator at Tammy Walker Cancer Center, recently presented Saline County's successful local food initiatives at the Kansas Local Food Summit in Wichita on August 28th. Their presentation highlighted the community-driven efforts to enhance access and safety at the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank through various grant-funded projects.
The initiatives included the revitalization of the community garden at the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, which began in 2017 and was completed in 2021, thanks to support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Greater Salina Community Foundation. The garden now features five handicapped-accessible beds, 27 community garden raised beds, a children's garden, and a Master Gardener's section.
Following this success, Live Well Saline County, in collaboration with the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, secured a $500,000 Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. This grant funded projects that enhanced safety and access to the food bank, including solar lighting, improved sidewalks connecting to public transportation, and additional parking and bike racks.
These projects are part of a broader effort to promote health and wellness in Saline County. Live Well Saline County is planning a community celebration this fall to mark the completion of these initiatives and the coalition's 15th anniversary.
To learn more about Live Well Saline County and their ongoing projects, contact Daniel Craig at 785-452-4848.
