Konza Student Table continues to provide meals and conversation for hundreds of K-State students

The Konza Student Table, a partnership between St. Isidore’s Catholic Church and the Riley County and City of Manhattan Food and Farm Council, has been providing meals for K-State students in need since its creation last fall.

Vickie James, Food and Farm Council coordinator, says they likely serve hundreds of students each week.

“Before the student break, we were up to serving 600 meals on Wednesday evenings,” James said. “A great percentage of those since the break have been international students because it’s not simple for them to travel home.”

While numbers have dwindled to between 250 and 300 meals per week since the beginning of break, James still finds the experience fruitful.

She says each meal pick-up provides a chance to converse with students who may feel isolated and frustrated by the pandemic.

“When those students come through, they’re getting to know us now.” James said. “Often times I’ll say, ‘how was your week,’ and I would tell you that probably eight out of ten students just start talking to me.”

Meals are provided every Wednesday at 5:30 pm on a first-come first-serve basis in the St. Isidore’s parking lot.

Monetary donations can be sent to the Konza Student Table through the St. Isidore’s website at stisidores.com. Those who are donating a check need to write Konza Student Table in the memo line.

To find out more about the Konza Student Table, click here.