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Even in a region known for abundant food production, many Kansans still struggle with hunger. The Kansas Health Institute reports that 14% of residents lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy life. In Garden City, Emmaus House helps fill this gap by providing meals and shelter, and it is the focus of a new documentary created by Kansas State University students and faculty.

The film, titled The Table We Share, was produced through the Hungry Heartland project, which uses storytelling to highlight food insecurity in rural Kansas and showcase community efforts that offer hope and support. Students involved in the project say it gave them a deeper understanding of the challenges families face and the resilience found in local communities. They conducted interviews, filmed on location in Garden City and worked closely with mentors across several K-State departments. The documentary has since earned multiple national and international awards for its work spotlighting the realities of hunger and the people addressing it.