Local Restaurant Pitches in to Keep Food Barrels Full Through the Summer
LAWRENCE, Kan. ─ Aug. 1, 2025 – Neighborhood wing spot Jefferson’s Restaurant will be hosting a month-long food drive through the month of August to support Just Food, Douglas County’s largest food bank. Just Food recently announced funding cuts and called on the community to help keep their shelves full.
The food drive, Five for Food, will kick off on Friday, August 1, and will last through August 31. Jefferson’s guests who want to support the drive can contribute non-perishable items to donation barrels that will be stationed at both of Jefferson’s Lawrence locations. Monetary donations can also be made at the register. Patrons who donate at the restaurant will receive a $5 gift card to Jefferson’s for a future visit, up to a maximum of four $5 gift cards.
Jefferson’s is also partnering with Dillon’s grocery store at 1015 W. 23rd St. to keep the pantry stocked this month. Barrels will be placed near the doors, and Dillon’s shoppers are encouraged to drop any extra food goods in the barrels on their way out.
“We are so grateful for this partnership with Jefferson’s,” said Just Food’s Director, Aundrea Walker. “When local businesses step up like this, it reminds us that fighting hunger is truly a community effort. We are so grateful for the Lawrence community—every meal made possible through this food drive brings hope to a neighbor in need.”
Just Food, Jefferson’s, and Dillon’s will launch the Five for Food drive in-store at the Dillon’s on 23rd Street on Wednesday, August 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the kickoff, representatives from Jefferson’s and Just Food will hand out $5 Jefferson’s vouchers to those who donate a non-perishable.
“At Jefferson’s, we believe in showing up for our neighbors—especially when times get tough,” said Brandon Graham, Jefferson’s President. “Just Food is a vital resource for Douglas County, and when we heard about their increased need, we knew we wanted to help. Lawrence has such a powerful community spirit, and we hope this food drive rallies even more support for a cause that feeds families right here in our neighborhood. We encourage everyone who’s able to get involved.”
Just Food serves 300-600 families each day, and supplies food to more than 30 partnering agencies. Stop by either Jefferson’s location in Lawrence this August to support the cause to end hunger and claim a $5 voucher. You can learn more about how to support Just Food at justfoodks.org/give.
Five for Food Details
When: August 1 – August 31
Where: Jefferson’s Restaurants
- Downtown Lawrence: 743 Massachusetts St.
- West Lawrence: 1540 Wakarusa Dr.
Dillon’s at 1015 W. 23rd St.
Kickoff Details
When: Tuesday, August 6
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Dillon’s at 1015 W. 23rd St.
About Jefferson’s
Jefferson’s Restaurant in Lawrence is a sport-themed, family-friendly neighborhood restaurant known for its hand-pattied burgers, fresh oysters, world-famous wings – and signature sauces. For more information, visit Jeffersons.com.
About Just Food
Just Food is the food bank of Douglas County, serving 300-600 families in its pantry each day and supplying food to more than 30 partner agencies. Just Food’s mission is to end hunger in Douglas County by increasing access to healthy foods, reducing barriers to health and well-being, and cultivating self-sufficiency.
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Contact: Alaina Belisle
804.332.2517
Steph Castor
785-856-7030