The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce alongside the Military Relations Council announced today that the annual Kansas Courage celebration, scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 12 p.m. at Evergy Plaza, will not only recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community but also provide a way for Topekans to make a direct impact on the military by donating non-perishable food items. Items collected will benefit the Coyote Cabinet, the base food pantry serving the 190th Air Refueling Wing and Kansas Army National Guard. Located at Forbes Field, the Coyote Cabinet provides food and clothing assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, Department of War employees, and military families throughout Shawnee County.
In addition to collecting non-perishable food items, the celebration aims to raise awareness of food insecurity among local military families and provide support to the pantry’s vital mission.
“While meeting with local military leadership in Topeka, I was discouraged to learn how many active-duty men and women are struggling with food insecurity,” said Bob Ross, President of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and leader of the Chamber’s Military Relations Council. “Rising costs of living and inflation have already created significantly more demand this year, and the current government shutdown is pushing many military families into crisis. We are honored to partner with Evergy Plaza and grateful for our sponsors — Kendall Construction, InTrust Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and Visit Topeka — to bring an event to downtown Topeka that celebrates our veterans and military families while also encouraging the community to donate to the base pantry.”
According to the Military Family Advisory Network, one in five military and veteran families experience food insecurity — a figure that rises to one in four among active-duty military families, compared to one in eight U.S. households. The U.S. Department of War reports that nearly 24% of active-duty service members faced food insecurity in 2020, with junior enlisted personnel at the highest risk.
Service members often face distinct challenges that make it difficult to access the food they need to thrive, including high housing costs, frequent moves, and barriers to employment for military spouses. When military families are food secure, they are healthier and better able to perform their duties — a vital factor in maintaining U.S. military readiness.
“This event is deeply meaningful to us,” said Dylan Tyler, Event Manager for Evergy Plaza. “The Kansas Courage celebration not only recognizes the service and sacrifice of our military community but also provides a way for Topekans to make a direct impact. The VFW will be preparing more than 600 meals to hand out that day to individuals with military IDs, and we hope the event inspires others to support the Coyote Cabinet and those who serve our country.”
The Kansas Courage celebration is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations or make financial contributions to support the Coyote Cabinet at Forbes Field.
For more information about the Kansas Courage celebration, visit evergyplaza.com.
