With two new partnerships, Lawrence Transit hopes to make it easier for bus riders to access food and other needed items at Central Station. Just Food and Harvesters each host a food distribution at the site once a month.

The partnership, called Thriving Thursdays, was launched in November 2024 and has had very positive outcomes. Just Food has served 75 households and 95 individuals so far, and Harvesters has served 135 households and 201 individuals.

“We bring groceries, personal care items, home-goods and long-term resources like SNAP and food resource information we know would be desired,” said Danon Hare, Food Security Programs Manager for Harvesters. “It is a joy to have partners like this in a local transit authority and to be invited into the intimate community they’ve fostered. Through daily interactions with neighbors, genuine trusting relationships are built, and their staff is enthusiastic to share this opportunity with anyone who could fully utilize this resource.”

How it works: Transit riders catch a bus to Central Station on their way home and pick up free food and groceries.

Central Station is accessible via bus routes 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, and 12. Thriving Thursdays occur on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., or as long as supplies last.

“Thriving Thursdays allows us to expand access to fresh, healthy food so our community can grow stronger together,” said Aundrea Walker, Executive Director of Just Food. “In partnership with the City of Lawrence & Harvesters, we’re building a future where everyone has what they need to thrive. Meaningful change happens when we work together, and community collaboration is key to creating lasting impact.”

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