Kitchen Restore program receives $1,200 Helping Hand

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The K-State Research and Extension Office in Sedgwick County says there are a lot of programs to help families get food on the table, but what happens next? That’s where Kitchen Restore comes in.

According to the Extension Office, the Kitchen Restore program is a community donation initiative with the mission of providing “starter kits” which includes gently used or new household kitchen tools and equipment to individuals and families in need.

Organizer Sara Sawer told Eyewitness News there are families in our community eating in shifts because they only have one plate to share.

“I take for granted being able to start my coffee in the morning and having a cup to drink it from,” said Sawer.

She says food picked up at local food pantries can go to waste if families don’t have a pot to cook it in.

“Our goal is to get people cooking in the kitchen but also not have to choose between buying a skillet this month or paying their light bill,” said Sawer.

The kits include anything you might need to prepare a meal for your family, including pots, pans, measuring cups, plates, and utensils.

The Extension Office sends the kitchen starter kits to various partner programs, including HumanKind Ministries, the Department for Children and Families, United Methodist Open Door, and the VA Homeless Program.

KWCH and DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers gave a $1,200 Helping Hand to support the project.

The Extension Office held a donation drive during February. If you would like to help, you can purchase items on Kitchen Restore’s Amazon Wish List.

Or, you can make a monetary donation here. Click the yellow Donate button and select Kitchen Restore in the dropdown menu.

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