StepStone—formerly known as Dear Neighbor Ministries—uses technology to let patrons choose what they receive, rather than receive a box of items. The approach is designed to increase access to fresher food and reduce waste by matching what people take with what they can use. StepStone also does not require identification or income eligibility, offering food to recipients once every 30 days.
The effort is funded in part by a $5,000 mini-grant from the Kansas Health Foundation’s Hunger Free Kansas initiative, used to purchase hardware and implement the kiosk system. Since 2024 to 2025, StepStone reported an increase of 6,000 people served, with pantry visits up 42% over the past 12 months.
In Wichita, the pantry’s Hilltop location is described as open four mornings a week and serving a growing number of families. Local sourcing includes Serenity Farms outside Sedgwick, and partners say access to produce can help people eat healthier while supporting the local economy.