By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday afternoon to officially open the Flint Hills BreadBasket's new location at 2326 Skyvue Lane in Manhattan. The ribbon-cutting drew a large turnout, with many elected officials, business professionals, and patrons in attendance.
Flint Hills BreadBasket Executive Director Karla Hagemeister addressed the crowd, and her message was that the new facility would not have been possible without the communities support.
"There's just a reality that our services are needed and will continue to be needed for some time to come," Hagemeister said. "When our board, staff, and volunteers talk about the guests that we serve and the community that we serve, we felt that it was important to us and to our values that we offer a space and a service that is dignified and valuable and treats people the way we would want any one of us to be treated. I feel like our community has made that space happen here." In her speech, Hagemeister recognized the Flint Hills BreadBasket Board of Directors, the staff, all their volunteers, business partners, and the community for all their support.
The community campaign for the project was $3.1 million, and the money raised by the community helped with equipment and construction. The construction budget was $2.5 million.
The new location at 2326 Skyvue Lane will be open for the first time Thursday, May 8, at 10:00 a.m. and be open until 6:00 p.m. This location allows for expanded hours and a less crowded space for patrons and staff.
According to Hagemeister, the Flint Hills BreadBasket serves approximately 400 families per week. Daily, the Flint Hills BreadBasket serves between 60-70 families.
"This place is going to serve our community, and serve our community well and in changing ways over time," Hagemeister said. "I am so excited for that to happen."
Following the ribbon-cutting, the large crowd was able to tour the new facility.
