The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #50 9-16-26

NOTE: FALL SOCIAL POSTPONED UNTIL 9/27 DUE TO POTENTIAL RAIN

VOLUME 2026   SEPTEMBER 16   NUMBER 50

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Bruce McMillan gave us an “Ogden Nash” reflection this morning, followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. You may never know what others are going through, show kindness and compassion.

PROGRAM: Karen Hawes introduced today’s guest speaker, Karla Hagemeister. Karla is the Executive Director of Flint Hills Breadbasket. She’s been a community member since coming to Kansas State University in 1983. She joined the Breadbasket in 2022, after serving crime victims through the Riley County Attorney’s Office for more than 22 years.

Karla has served on a number of nonprofit boards, is an active mentor through THRIVE!, and served two elected terms on the USD 383 Manhattan Ogden Board of Education. A social worker by education and practice, she also obtained a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership through the Staley School of Leadership at KSU in 2025. She is passionate about making life better for our community and is learning how to rest and find peace and joy in a newly empty nest!

Flint Hills Breadbasket’s mission: To provide reliable access to healthy food, build connections with community partners and empower neighbors to meet their basic needs. The Breadbasket serves all of Riley County, Pottawatomie County up to St George area as well as all of Fort Riley. With the help of partners, there is a place available every day of the year to find some assistance. Peace-Full Pantry at Peace Lutheran Church, Grace Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Seven Dolors Parish Center, First Presbyterian Church, Community Food Basket – serving Northern Riley, (behind the City Library in Riley Kansas), and Ogden Friendship House of Hope. There are also Blessing Boxes through town, stocked with shelf-stable foods and personal hygiene products, Common Table at the Lincoln Education Center serves meals 7 nights a week starting at 6pm. Harvesters Drive-Thru Food Distribution serves 27 counties in Kansas and Missouri, watch for time and place.

SNAP-Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps) provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. WIC Nutrition Services provides a debit card with food benefits and other nutrition services to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants and children up to the age of five. Flint Hills Breadbasket offers application assistance for both programs.

Cat’s Cupboard is an on-campus food pantry open to all K-State students and employees.

THE MARKET, located at 2326 Skyvue Lane in Manhattan, open Monday and Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am – 6:00pm. (must check in at least 15 minutes before closing) There are 2 qualifiers to shop in The Market – Experiencing food insecurity, no proof needed and must reside in our neighborhood – Manhattan, Riley County, St.George or Fort Riley – proof of residency for each person in the household. You must fill out the Guest Information Form before your first visit, then visit the Market during shopping hours, bring your own bags or boxes to transport your food and items. Flint Hills Breadbasket helps with essential needs, but it may not cover your full grocery list. They are designated to support and empower guests by giving you the freedom to choose what you need within posted limits. Guests can shop one time within the calendar week and for as many weeks as you need. Lastly, you will just have to recertify/update your information once a year.

2024: 18,541 Total Visits, 1,085 First Time Visits and 2,289 Unique Households

2025: 29,210 Total Visits, 1,560 First Time Visits and 2,989 Unique Households

In 2025, Flint Hills Breadbasket had many changes with the move in May but did not change how they rely on funding sources. Most of the revenue comes from local donations making up75% of last year’s contributions. These are donations from individuals and families, and funds raised through community events. 13% of funding from Grants is secured through efforts of staff and partner organizations to fund specific services. The remaining 12% comes from Interest and Investments, which are funds set aside for emergencies and long-term projects. These reserves help cover unexpected costs such as major repairs and vehicle needs for operations.

• There should be NO ONE in need among us.
• In building a community where ALL ARE WELCOME.
• Access to healthy food without barriers is A RIGHT.
• In EMPOWERING NEIGHBORS to meet their basic needs.
• In working together to drive POSITIVE AND LASTING CHANGE.

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, the current teams include Front of House Market, Back of House Market, Operations, Drivers and Outreach Programs. They are growing their volunteer network by expanding services and adding more roles for individuals wanting to join the team on a regular/weekly basis. There are roles for everyone, both on and off site and if you have a specific skill set or project, reach out and see if it fits into their services and mission.

Learn more by calling 785-537-0730 or visiting www.flinthillsbreadbasket.org

Save the date: Sept 20th, Annual Picnic at Optimist Park with more information to come.

Save the date: Oct 24th, Annual Chili Crawl (see Bill Wisdom for more information)

Save the date: Nov 7th, Parking at the Fire Dept for the KSU Football Game

Doug Jardine raised right at $4053 so far and has about 400 miles logged. Thanks to all who have donated, it is greatly appreciated. (He is still taking donations; he’d like to Raise $5000 and ride 500 miles)

Early reminder: Dues are due in October, more information coming about possible increase.

GUESTS: Cody Begnoche joined us again this morning. Welcome back!

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed