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Happenings
CTGO NEwS
Picking Up the Torch: CTGO’s Past and Future Come Together in Tennessee Town
Last week, the new Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) Board gathered with members of the original board and neighbors from Central Topeka for a community potluck at Faith Temple Church in Tennessee Town, one of the nine core neighborhoods CTGO serves. This gathering was more than a meal. It was a homecoming. Faith Temple Church holds a special place in CTGO’s story. It was here that neighbors first came together years ago to talk about a shared problem: the closure of their
Oct 14, 2025
October Message From the Director
Dear Friends, As October arrives, the crisp air and changing leaves remind us that transformation is both natural and necessary. At the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO), we are living out that same spirit this season. While the harvest of a full-service grocery store is not yet here, we are working daily to cultivate the relationships, leadership, and resources that will make it possible. This month, our focus has been on strengthening partnerships and investing in leaders
Oct 2, 2025
Building Community, One Conversation at a Time: CTGO at National Night Out
This past Saturday, Central Topeka Grocery Oasis joined neighbors, city leaders, and community organizations at the City of Topeka’s...
Aug 11, 2025
Community News
Picking Up the Torch: CTGO’s Past and Future Come Together in Tennessee Town
Last week, the new Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) Board gathered with members of the original board and neighbors from Central Topeka for a community potluck at Faith Temple Church in Tennessee Town, one of the nine core neighborhoods CTGO serves. This gathering was more than a meal. It was a homecoming. Faith Temple Church holds a special place in CTGO’s story. It was here that neighbors first came together years ago to talk about a shared problem: the closure of their
Building Community, One Conversation at a Time: CTGO at National Night Out
This past Saturday, Central Topeka Grocery Oasis joined neighbors, city leaders, and community organizations at the City of Topeka’s...
Community Connection in Action: CTGO Visits Trinity Presbyterian Church
A Central Cross Helps Support Trinity Presbyterian Church This past Sunday, May 18, our Executive Director, Nadia Arbelo, was honored to...
Recipes
Cooking Well on a Tight Budget
At Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) , our mission is simple but powerful: to restore access to fresh, affordable, and nourishing food for everyone in our community. When a neighborhood has lost its grocery store, the absence isn’t just about convenience, it’s about dignity, choice, and health. That’s why we’re excited to share a resource that aligns perfectly with our values: Leanne Brown’s cookbook, Good and Cheap. A Cookbook That’s Changing the Conversation “Good and Che
Cozy, Easy, and Affordable: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
As the back-to-school season kicks into gear, life tends to get a little busier and quick dinner to the rescue. It’s comforting, easy to make, and gentle on your grocery budget. It's the perfect meal for those cooler evenings that remind us fall is on its way. This dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients that many of us already have on hand and can easily be adapted for your family’s tastes. 🍲 Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Recipe adapted from Diva’s Can Cook ) Ingredients
August Recipe: Grilled Brats with Summer Veggies
Grilled Brats with Summer Veggies An easy, energy-saving summer meal using what’s abundant and affordable in August August gardens and...
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Tax Season Reminder: Free Help Is Available in Topeka
Tax season is here. If you need assistance filing your federal or state return, several trusted organizations in Topeka offer free tax preparation services for eligible individuals and families. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) IRS certified volunteers provide free tax preparation for low to moderate income households. VITA services are available at multiple Topeka locations, including: Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library North Topeka at the IBEW Local 226 Building
CTGO Supports “Girl Up” at Robinson Middle School
CTGO was proud to participate in the “Girl Up: Empowering Inner Beauty” event at Robinson Middle School , supporting girls in grades 6–12 . The event focused on building confidence, leadership, and self-esteem through interactive discussions and hands-on activities centered around self-care, personal growth, and empowerment. Students connected with peers and mentors while celebrating their individuality and inner strength. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with R
The Souper Bowl at CTGO
From February 6–February 16 , Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) is hosting the Souper Bowl , a canned food and soup drive to support members of our community. We’ll have a donation box on site where you can drop off canned goods, whether it’s an extra can from your pantry or an additional item added to your grocery trip. It’s a simple way to give back and help care for our neighbors. Donations can be dropped off at 2303 SW College Ave .
Cozy February Soup: Recipes Lentil & Vegetable Soup
Budget-Friendly • Healthy • Makes 6–8 servings Why it’s great for February Warm and comforting for cold weather Lentils are inexpensive but high in protein Uses basic vegetables and pantry items Great for leftovers and meal prep Ingredients 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable) 1 small onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks (optional), chopped 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green), rinsed 1 can diced tomatoes (14–15 oz)
February Message From the Director
Dear Friends and Supporters, As we move through February, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of Central Topeka Grocery Oasis. This time of year reminds us of the importance of community, connection, and caring for one another—values that are at the heart of CTGO’s mission. With your partnership, we are continuing to make meaningful progress toward bringing healthy, affordable food access to Central Topeka. In these winter months, when food insecur
Picking Up the Torch: CTGO’s Past and Future Come Together in Tennessee Town
Last week, the new Central Topeka Grocery Oasis (CTGO) Board gathered with members of the original board and neighbors from Central Topeka for a community potluck at Faith Temple Church in Tennessee Town, one of the nine core neighborhoods CTGO serves. This gathering was more than a meal. It was a homecoming. Faith Temple Church holds a special place in CTGO’s story. It was here that neighbors first came together years ago to talk about a shared problem: the closure of their
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