Category Archives: Food

Bourbon County, Food

Food Access, Environmental Health Grant For Southeast Kansas Announced

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Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Partners on $200,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Project to Advance Food and Environmental Justice in Southeast Kansas

Fort Scott, Kansas — March 12, 2026

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is partnering with the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) on a new $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to support community-driven solutions that improve food access and environmental health in Southeast Kansas.

The two-year initiative, “An Action-Oriented Study of Community-Driven Solutions to Address Food and Environmental Justice,” is co-led by Christina Pacheco, JD, MPH, Assistant Professor at KUMC, and Jody Love, MBA, President and CEO of HBCAT. Together, they will partner with the Montgomery County Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), a coalition that brings together residents, local organizations, and cross-sector partners to identify priorities and implement practical solutions that improve health and quality of life.

Through this project, community members will design and implement locally driven strategies to strengthen food systems and improve neighborhood environments. Potential solutions include edible landscapes, raised garden beds, and other place-based approaches that expand access to nutritious food while revitalizing underused community spaces.

“This project reflects the power of community leadership,” said Jody Love. “When residents are at the center of planning and implementation, the solutions are more practical, more sustainable, and more reflective of local priorities.”

Jody Love

The project builds on community infrastructure developed through the COPE initiative, which helped establish LHEATs across Kansas to advance health through collaboration and shared governance.

HBCAT will provide community coordination, resident engagement, and implementation support, drawing on more than a decade of experience building cross-sector partnerships and supporting community-led initiatives across Southeast Kansas.

This work also aligns with the broader regional strategy being advanced through Rural Community Partners (RCP), a Southeast Kansas initiative focused on strengthening long-term systems for community development across county lines. By connecting local coalitions, organizations, and residents throughout the region, RCP works to ensure that community-led solutions are supported not just locally but regionally, helping communities share learning, coordinate resources, and build sustainable change over time.

In addition to supporting local implementation, the project includes an evaluation component that will document outcomes related to food access, community capacity, and systems change. Findings will be shared with community members, regional partners, and other rural communities interested in replicating effective strategies.

The grant was awarded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Rapid Response: Reinvesting in Racial and Indigenous Health Equity Research program, which funds community-centered research designed to advance equitable and sustainable health solutions.

About the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is a community-based organization dedicated to improving health, well-being, and opportunity through collaboration, resident leadership, and locally driven solutions. HBCAT’s mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth.

About the University of Kansas Medical Center

The University of Kansas Medical Center is an academic medical center committed to improving the health and wellness of Kansans through education, research, and patient care.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

RWJF is a leading national philanthropy paving the way, together, toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Through funding, convening, advocacy, evidence building, and impact investing, they work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity, faster and together.

This research was supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Foundation.

Area News, Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

National Senior Nutrition Month: Helping Older Adults

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Participants at the Pittsburg 60+ Nutrition Meal Site at the Homer Cole Community Center.

 

SOUTHEAST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING Joins National Campaign to Reduce Food Insecurity Among Older Americans During National Senior Nutrition Month

 

Fort Scott, KS – In 2025, 13 million older adults experience food insecurity – they lacked reliable access to nutritious meals needed for healthy living. During National Senior Nutrition Month, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is joining USAging in a national consumer campaign focused on helping older Americans get the healthy, nutritious food they need to maintain their physical and cognitive health.

 

“Eat Well. Live Well. Age Well.” Highlights the importance of nutrition in promoting healthy aging, the different kinds of meals programs and nutrition services available to older adults in their communities and how to find them.

 

Healthy food and nutrition are vital for older adults to maintain their health and well-being. Proper nutrition is critical to reduce chronic illness, improve immune system functioning and enhance cognition. Food also brings people together, bosting mood and decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. But it is challenging for many older adults to get the healthy foods they need.

 

AAAs strive to make healthy eating accessible, appetizing, and affordable. AAA nutrition services include home-delivered meals, meals served in groups settings, and more.

 

“It is amazing the positive comments we receive from our participants. We received a note recently from someone receiving home delivered meals, “Do you all realize what lifesavers you are?”  It is amazing that a meal and a friendly hello from the driver can make such a difference. Unfortunately we do have a waiting list for home delivery but we have openings at all our meal sites. People report they get so much more than a meal. They make new friends and as one person said she didn’t know what to do with herself after retirement and going to the meal site she met people who showed her how to be a senior.”, Kathy Brennon, Executive Director

 

Call 620-431-2980 or visit www.sekaaa.com to learn more.

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

First Farmers Market Vendors Meeting of the Season In April 7

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It’s almost that time again! The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are excited for a new Market Season and can’t wait to see you!
They will be meeting Tuesday, April 7, from 6 – 8 pm,
at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) Offices,
104 North National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 
 
April 7th, 6-8pm Vendors’ Meeting is for new and returning vendors.
Items to discuss:
Electing new officers
Market Guidelines
Various voucher programs
SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks
Applications and Fees 
They will be discussing last year’s season to see what worked, what can be improved, and what you’d like to see happen this year. 
They will elect new officers for leadership of the market.
Please look over the attached roles and consider volunteering, or someone you’d like to nominate. A smooth transition will keep the momentum established for a successful market, so President Teri Hamilton will be operating in a training/support/transitional role this year.
They will be accepting your application and fees. Please print and fill out your application, and be prepared to pay by cash or check.
2026 Fees are:
$5.00 Registration Fee
$5.00 per week
$30 (1 week per month)
$60 (2 weeks per month)
$108 (27 weeks Full Season)
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may be interested in joining this year. And please reach out if any questions or comments.
“We look forward to seeing you and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the coming Market Season! It’s going to be a great year!”
Sincerely,
Teri Hamilton, President
Ethan Holly, Treasurer
Leanna Cain, Secretary

— 

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market
The Gathering Square Pavilion
111 N National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Bronson Micro Grocery Store Is Transitioning

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Perry’s Country Store. Submitted photo.

Thaddeus and Kelly Perry’s business, Perry’s Country Store in Bronson, is changing focus.

 

“Our physical location in Bronson will no longer operate as it has. We are shifting the space to what it was originally designed for — production and distribution,” Kelly Perry said. “This is not a light decision, but for the first time in a long time, I 100% believe this is God opening and closing doors and bringing partnerships and networks full circle, and I’ve never felt peace like I have this last week and here is why.”

Monday through Friday we will be growing and expanding Perry’s Pork Rinds nationally.

 

“The physical storefront will still offer pork rinds, Perry’s Produce Boxes, bulk produce buying through online pre-orders, and our seasonal fruit like Colorado peaches, Florida strawberries, Oregon blueberries, Washington cherries, and the spring flower baskets and mums in the fall and similar offerings. That piece isn’t going away — it’s simply becoming more structured so it works long term and will likely occur on the second Saturday of each month. I’ll be inviting food trucks on those days, and others to set up in the parking lot and make it a monthly community event.”

“Monday through Friday we will be growing and expanding Perry’s Pork Rinds nationally.”

 

“Because of this shift, we’ll be liquidating all items not directly related to the pork rind business,” she said.  “The red retro tables will stay; they have been an item that was here in the original fuel station. Food, small and large equipment, decor, and shelving.  All of it will be for sale.  I’m posting smaller items on my personal Facebook page now, and I’ll likely have my big list of large equipment posted online today on our new Facebook page that is dedicated to JUST the Perry’s Country Store https://www.facebook.com/perryscountrystore/ .”

“I truly believe this transition is part of a bigger path we have prayed and worked so hard for since starting in 2017,” she said. “The goal hasn’t changed: support rural communities while building something sustainable for our family and future job growth.”

Her husband and co-owner, Thaddeus, is having a catfish fry this weekend, which will start the markdown pricing of food items in the store.

“Pre-orders are now open for the Sweet T’s Fried Catfish event this Saturday, February 21,” she said. “The pre-orders will close at noon on  Feb 19! www.PerrysPorkRinds.com During this event, we will start our in-store markdowns of candy, canned goods, jar items, jams, frozen pies, meats, etc. ”

“All things Perry’s Pork Rinds will be posted on our normal Perry’s Pork Rind Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PerrysPorkRinds. We encourage our locals to PLEASE add the new Perry’s Country Store page to learn of fruits, veggies, and event day info.  I will not bog down the Pork Rinds Page with these posts.”

 

Granddads Groceries Coming

Discounted bulk groceries will soon be offered through Perry’s Country Store.

“About a year ago, I met with a company that distributes deeply discounted bulk groceries. At the time, logistics didn’t work out. I reached back out just on faith and asked if they would reconsider a community drop location here so both Bourbon and Allen County residents could benefit since the closing of the Marmaton Market in Moran and now our Micro Grocery Store in Bronson — and they said yes.”

Perry’s Country Store will be a new pick-up location for Grandad’s Groceries, a discounted bulk grocer that delivers to locations in our area.

“It allows continued food access locally without pulling focus, time, or capital away from growing Perry’s Pork Rinds.  Here is a video link for what will be coming https://youtu.be/DnWRnA1ctrE  and Perry’s parking lot will be the pick up location for Grandad’s Groceries.  https://www.granddadsgroceries.com/ ”

 

Bourbon County, Food

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store: Bulk Wholesale Groceries

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member

BULK SAVINGS ALERT!

No need to drive out of town for wholesale groceries. We are bringing bulk produce savings local so families, businesses, and organizations can stock up while keeping dollars in the community.

CURRENT BULK SAVINGS:

• Mangos — 12 ct. $15

• Bananas — 40 lb case $25

• Cosmic Crisp Apples — approx. 40 lb case $40

• Russet Potatoes — 50 lb box $20

• Yellow Onions — 6 lb bag $4

Order online by February 12.

Pickup Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

at Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store in Bronson.

Don’t forget!

PERRY’S MONTHLY PRODUCE BOX:

Designed for consistent grocery savings and rural food access. Each box includes about nine various produce items monthly.

Pre-order deadline February 12.

Pickup February 14.

Order online:

www.PerrysPorkRinds.com

Questions or EBT ordering assistance: 620-939-4300

Shop bulk. Save money. Keep it local.

Click HERE to follow

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store Facebook Page

Click HERE to visit

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store’s website

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Pancakes and Groundhog (Sausage) Fundraiser at Southern Baptist Church on Feb. 7

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.

FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH,
1818 S MAIN, FORT SCOTT KS
INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR 7TH ANNUAL
“ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES WITH A SERVING OF GROUNDHOG (SAUSAGE)
AND OR ALL YOU CAN EAT BISCUITS WITH GROUNDHOG GRAVY.
DINE IN OR CARRY OUT

BID ON OUR SILENT AUCTION BASKETS

FEBRUARY 7, 2026 FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.
CHILDREN 7 AND UNDER FREE, 8 TO ADULT $6.00 IN ADVANCE OR
$7.00 AT THE DOOR

FOR ADVANCED TICKETS CONTACT
IDA FORD 417-262-3948 OR
TERRI WILLIAMS 620-215-3202.
**All proceeds to go FSBC Building Fund

Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

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Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott.  As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
To view that recent story:
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
  “My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”

“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”

She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop

“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..

The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.

Current Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m.

“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”

Food, Fort Scott

Hot Wok Restaurant: Open on Christmas Day

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Sending on behalf of
Hot Wok Chinese Buffet

📣 Hot Wok Chinese Buffet 🍜 will be OPEN on Christmas Day! 🎄

11 AM – 8:30 PM

Stop by for your holiday meal — we’d love to serve you!

📍 Address: 1511 S National Ave.

📞 Phone: 620-223-0588

🌐 Website: hotwokchinesebuffet.com

🎁 Gift certificates available for purchase! These make the perfect present for friends & family! ✨

Come enjoy delicious Chinese food with family and friends! 🥢✨

Click HERE for

Hot Wok Chinese Buffet Facebook Page!

Click HERE for

Hot Wok Chinese Buffet Website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open

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Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.

Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.

Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.

Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage-type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke, with a special token provided by the shop.

“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.

The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.

No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.

“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.

Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.

“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be  a rental.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.

Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.

The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.
Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave”  is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.

Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.

“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out.  New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”

“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.

 

Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.
The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.
This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.

To see the prior story on the build:

https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main

 

Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Kale Nelson/ State Farm: Holiday Food Drive To Benefit Fort Scott Community College Student Pantry

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Kale Nelson

State Farm

Kale Nelson with State Farm invites you to the

Holiday Food Drive

benefiting the

Fort Scott Community College

Student Pantry!

Kale Nelson State Farm is collecting donations to benefit FSCC students throughout the holiday season, now through the month of December.

What is the FSCC Student Pantry?

The Student Pantry is located on the Fort Scott Community College campus and available to all currently enrolled

students, the pantry is a safe, welcoming space where students can find what they need to stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. Whether they’re facing unexpected hardship or just need a little extra support, the Greyhound Student Pantry is here for them.

Please drop off donations of food, hygiene products, school supplies and warm clothing.

📍Kale Nelson State Farm Office

1805 s. National Ave.

📞620-224-2828

Click HERE to visit the

Kale Nelson State Farm

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Kale Nelson State Farm

webpage!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US