Kansas State University has brought the Hall Ross Flour Mill back online to manufacture flour for those in need in the local community.
KSU will host a drive-thru flour distribution from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the mill at 1980 Kimball Ave. in Manhattan. There is no charge for the flour, which will be limited to one 10-pound bag per vehicle and is not for resale.
As safer at home orders began, faculty noticed the absence of flour at local supermarkets and wondered if the university's milling facilities could be used to aid the local community. The idea received support from college and university leadership and moved into the planning stages several weeks ago.
"We know people are struggling with basic food supplies including flour. It's something K-State and the department could do," said Gordon Smith, professor and head of the grain science and industry department. "We have a mill, we have highly skilled faculty to run the mill, and continued support from the Kansas Wheat Commission and Kansas wheat farmers. It is a locally sourced, farm-to-table, philanthropic endeavor by K-State."
Recently 20,000 pounds of wheat was milled by departmental faculty with special help from K-State President Richard Myers. Ten hours of milling yielded 15,000 pounds of all-purpose white flour. The remaining parts of the wheat berry not used in the flour mill be used for animal feed.
The university plans to donate any flour not distributed on June 18 to the Flint Hills Breadbasket in Manhattan and Harvesters in Topeka.