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Category Archives: Food
Christmas Party To Improve Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Event Center Is December 12
Local businesses are joining together for a Christmas Party to raise money for improvements to the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
Cohn’s Cafe on Main Street will cater the event. A tasting menu will include: Bourbon Maple Burger Sliders, Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites, Meatballs in Marinara, Twice-Baked, BBQ Brisket Potato, Spinach Dip and Chips, and a Seasonal Soup.
The menu will feature locally sourced products. Blue Dog Wine Company will be providing wine samples that pair with the menu.
For those who do not prefer wine, Mmm Flavor Shop will have a Tea Bar with a variety of herbal and black teas. Mmm Flavor Shop will also have a Spiced Up Dessert Bar.
These desserts will be easy to replicate at home. Some of the offerings will be Saffron Coconut Cake, Spicy Brownies, and Chai Angel Food Cake.
Sunshine Boutique will be having a Christmas Centerpiece Class to start the evening. Attendees can also make a customized pen with WriteOn!.
This event will be Friday, December 12th starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $75 and will be available for purchase until November 30th. You can reserve your tickets at the included link.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE BRICKS FESTIVAL December 4th – 7th, 2025
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the 3rd Annual Christmas on the Bricks Festival will take place Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, December 7th throughout Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District.
This year’s festivities begin Thursday evening with the annual Parade of Lights, themed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The parade begins at 6 p.m., traveling along the brick-lined streets, and concluding with the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The ceremony will feature a performance by the Fort Scott High School Select Ensemble, followed by a fireworks display and a kettle-corn booth. Families are then invited to the Celebration Room at Papa Don’s Pizza for Pictures with Santa.
New attractions for 2025 include a hay climb slide and Santa’s Express Train Rides for children at 121 E. 2nd St. in the Bids & Dibs parking lot. The festival also welcomes country music artist Jake Gill and his five-piece band, performing Friday evening at Liberty Theatre as part of his “Home for Christmas” holiday tour.
Throughout the weekend, downtown Fort Scott will be filled with holiday activities and entertainment, including a synthetic ice-skating rink, candlelight tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site National Park, horse-drawn carriage rides, historical trolley tours, a living nativity, late-night shopping, Holiday Market vendors, music BINGO, Christmas Karaoke, The Artificers 9th Annual Artist Showcase, wreath-making and floral centerpiece classes, a gingerbread house contest, a Christmas paint party and lettering class, candy-making demonstrations, firepits with s’mores, and specialty tastings featuring bourbon, beer, whiskey, and wine.
Young visitors will enjoy writing Letters to Santa and creating holiday crafts at Santa’s Workshop, located inside the Empress Event Center. Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases made from local retailers during the festival will also be available at the Empress.
Some activities and classes—such as carriage rides, workshops, tastings, and special events—require advance registration. Attendees are encouraged to visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks to register early and ensure they don’t miss out on limited-space opportunities.
Commemorative festival merchandise – including sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, canvas bags, and brick-ornament keepsakes – is now available online at fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks, with a limited supply also available at the Information Booth at Wall and Main Streets during the event.
The Chamber encourages everyone to follow the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Facebook page and visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks for updates, announcements, and complete event details. Printed schedules will soon be available at the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses. For more information, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566.
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Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser is November 18
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 37th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 18th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
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2025 Federal Government Shutdown Updated on 11/7/2025.
2025 Federal Government Shutdown
Last Updated on 11/7/2025.
Shana McClure [DCF] <[email protected]>
The following is now posted on the DCF public website at: https://www.dcf.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. We will add updates to this page as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.
Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media and subscribe to DCF’s newsletter, DCF Direct, for agency updates and information.
SNAP Benefits
Update from Nov. 7: Today, DCF issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance. Beneficiaries should have access to their full benefits by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 7. All current Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7 instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over a 10-day period according to last name.
Kansans should call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.
The total November benefit distribution was more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.
Food Resources By The Family Strong Project
- Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge — Thursday, Nov 27 2025 from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at 111 W. 19th St., Fort Scott. free-will donation, delivery and drive-through options
- The Beacon Food Pantry (often called “The Beacon”) in Fort Scott, KS:
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- Address: 525 E. 6th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
- Phone: 620-223-6869
- Regular Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
- Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Submitted by Pamela Thompson, M.S.
- Family Strong Project
- Community Outreach Liaison
SE Kansas IRIS Network Data and Systems Manager
Cell: 620-249-1490
https://1800childrenks.org/ IT’S FREE nationwide resources
SE Kansas Outreach Additional resources for families in SE Kansas
Kansas Data Critical Data for the State of Kansas
LinkTree Links for Crawford County Core
Facebook page For Crawford County Core Community program
Youth Core Ministries Our parent organization
Youtube Bourbon County Our sister program in Ft. Sco
Bourbon County Food Drive to Support Local Families in Need
The annual Bourbon County Food Drive is underway, running through November 17th, to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for families in need across the county.
This year’s effort is championed by Fort Scott Middle School teacher Lori Nelsen and supported by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s (HBCAT) Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), led by Aura Brillhart. The project brings together students, schools, and community partners to ensure that no one in Bourbon County goes hungry this holiday season.
Community Collection Sites
Donation boxes are available at:
Union State Bank, Fort Scott Branch • City State Bank • Citizens Bank • Kansas Teachers Credit Union • CHCSEK • Fort Scott City Hall • Buck Run Community Center • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center • Community Christian Church • United Methodist Church • Christian Heights
Participating businesses and organizations are asked to deliver their collection boxes to the Fort Scott Middle School front office on the morning of Monday, November 17th. If needed, donations can also be dropped off the morning of Tuesday, November 18th at the Fort Scott Middle School.
All food donations will be collected at Fort Scott Middle School. Members of the Fort Scott Middle School Student Council and the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) will assist with sorting, checking expiration dates, and organizing the donations.
On November 19th and 20th, the FCE group will deliver the items from the middle school to food pantries and blessing boxes across Bourbon County — including The Beacon, Fort Scott High School and Middle School food closets, the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry, Uniontown Schools, and community blessing boxes.
Middle School Contest
To inspire participation, Fort Scott Middle School will hold a friendly contest among classes to see which group can collect the most food donations. This initiative teaches students the value of service, teamwork, and giving back to their community.
Suggested Donation Items
Dry beans (2 lb Pinto, Navy, or Great Northern), soup, tuna, ramen noodles, granola bars, instant potatoes, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruits and vegetables, mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Spaghetti O’s, chili with beans, cereal, pasta noodles, hygiene products, and cash or check donations.
All donations will be distributed to local food pantries and blessing boxes throughout Bourbon County to support families during the holiday season.
About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Community, dedicated to improving health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life across the region. Through partnerships, education, and local action, HBCAT continues to connect resources and mobilize efforts that create a healthier, more equitable community for all.
Together, we can make sure every family in Bourbon County has access to the food and care they deserve.
Contact:
Aura Brillhart – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
| 620-224-2563 ext. 5
Lori Nelsen – Fort Scott Middle School
Jody Love – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
November SNAP Payments Statement
Kansas Department for Children and Families Issues Statement on USDA’s Court Filing Announcing the Decision to Make Reduced November SNAP Payments
TOPEKA – In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. To keep Kansans updated, DCF has created a webpage on its website, dcf.ks.gov, with information about the government shutdown and impacts to DCF programs. The page includes a list of questions and answers and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. Other non-state entities helping connect Kansans to resources in their community include: the United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org; 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsour
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SEKAAA is Awarded Community Foundation Grant of SEK for 60+ Nutrition Program.
The Community Foundation of SEK awarded a grant to SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program to purchase silverware, bowls, and drinking cups for dining participants. “The number of people coming to our meals sites have grown in the last year, and we added a meal site in Fort Scott, which caused the good problem of needing more tableware”, said Tabitha Torres, SEKAAA Nutrition Coordinator. “Our participants really like the upgrade. It enhances the dining experience.”
Individuals 60 and older can receive a meal at any of the SEKAAA meal sites that are located throughout the SEKAAA 9-county service area. Participants must call at least 24 hours prior and there is a requested donation of $2 per meal. Inability to pay does not prevent the person from receiving a meal. For more information about the SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program people can call 620-431-2980 or go to www.sekaaa.com.
“It becomes so much more that getting a health meal,” Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “they develop friendships and encourage each other.”
About SEKAAA
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through advocacy, education, and access to community resources. Serving 9 counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA provides services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.
Taco Tuesday’s! VFW members and guests are welcome
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If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question
Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.
The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.
SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.
Impact on Kansans
This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.
DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.
“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”
October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.
DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.
What happens next?
DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.
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WIC Food Benefit Disruptions Are Possible Because of Federal Shut-Down
The U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government beginning on October 1, 2025.
WIC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and it is affected by the shutdown. The local health agency is advising WIC users to stock up on food and other items to prepare for this lack of federal funding.
WIC is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care.
The local WIC Clinic is part of the SEK Multi-County Health Department, and is located at 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.
From a press release from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department:
WIC may operate short-term in Kansas by using limited prior-year federal funding.
There is a risk that WIC benefits will be paused, reduced, or ceased.
WIC Food benefits are estimated to last until the end of October, but that can’t be assured.
Users are encouraged to buy shelf-ready healthy food and/or items the family uses at this time, balancing food safety and storage areas available.
Local food banks, pantries, and non-profit groups may be of assistance if WIC benefits are temporarily disrupted.
WIC users are encouraged to continue using their benefits and attending appointments, but call 24 hours before, to verify the office is open, 620.223.4464.
If the WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment at 785-296-2683 for assistance.
The press release asks that users consider letting their elected U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, and Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran know how important WIC is to their family and urge them to restore funding.
To reach elected representatives:
President Donald Trump has no phone number to leave comments on; however, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Schmidt can be reached at 202.225.6601 or 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515.
Marshal: 202.224.4774 or PO Box 1588, Great Bend, KS 67530
Moran: 620.232.2286 or PO Box 1372, Pittsburg, KS 66762
The maximum income to qualify for WIC:
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| Family of 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| Family of 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| Family of 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
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May 5, 2025
