Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful people at Koch Home Collective, Keller Williams One Legacy Partners for their donation of 3,000 jars of peanut butter! On average per week at TRM, we use about 300-350 jars through sandwiches in the kitchen as well as community food distribution. This will be a big help and we couldn't be more grateful!

https://www.ksnt.com/video/hundreds-of-families-seek-food-help-at-topeka-rescue-mission/11957656

Hundreds of families seek food help at Topeka Rescue Mission TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Topeka homeless shelter reports it is experiencing a big increase in people and families seeking food assistance this summer.

Topeka, KS — Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries (TRM) is experiencing a significant increase in the number of individuals and families seeking food assistance.

During June 2026, TRM served 571 NEW families who had not previously accessed food assistance from TRM at all in 2026. In addition to the 571 NEW families, TRM also served an additional 563 returning families during the month of June 2026. For comparison, TRM served 162 new families the prior month (May 2026) and 74 new families in June 2025.

While TRM cannot definitely attribute the reason for this increase, there have been various factors that are likely influencing this influx. Temporary service disruptions associated with organizational transitions, barriers related to construction closings and routes, changes affecting other food assistance providers, and other economic hardships have all contributed to community members turning to TRM for food security.
TRM is grateful for its long-standing partnerships and collaborations with other food providers and recognize the challenges they are facing, and we stand ready to continue to provide for those we serve while also supporting other organizations doing this important work in our community. However, the community demand and need has placed considerable pressure on TRM's food and financial resources, and we need the community to generously show up to provide the resources TRM needs as we fight food insecurity!

The impact of a 252% increase in new families in just one month is substantial. "Our community has always responded when our fellow neighbors are in need," said La Manda Cunningham, TRM CEO. "As the demand for food assistance continues to grow, we are asking the community to partner with us so that no one has to experience hunger. While we understand the magnitude of what we are facing and want to do our due diligence of informing the community of our needs in a timely manner, we will not respond in panic because we know the Lord will provide and does so through His people."
Community members can help by organizing food drives for TRM, donating nonperishable food items, making financial contributions, or volunteering. TRM's current needs list is available on the ministry's website at trmonline.org. Food donations may be delivered to 401 NW Norris Street, Topeka, and financial gifts may be mailed to P.O. Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608, or made online at Donate - Virtuous Giving.

Just as importantly, TRM asks the community to continue praying for those experiencing hunger and hardship, as well as for the nonprofit organizations working together to serve our neighbors during this season of transition. It takes community to take care of our community!

****
Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working in the Topeka Community and surrounding Shawnee County. TRM works with community partners to reach those in need by bringing help and hope through serving those experiencing homeless and feeding the hungry. To learn more, please visit trmonline.org or follow Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries on Facebook.