As we wave goodbye to 2023 and step into the New Year, we reflect on a year of accomplishments! Committed to building a more inclusive food system, we seek to serve the 400,000 food-insecure residents while reducing the anticipated 715 million pounds of wasted food in Kansas City, annually. We are on a mission to transform food loss into food access.
In whatever way you give to this cause, be it through time or money, thank you for helping us achieve the milestones below.
50 CORNER STORES!
Kanbe's Markets Achieves Major Milestone In Fight to Reduce Food Insecurity in Kansas City
Kanbe's Markets opened its 50th corner store location, marking a pivotal moment in the effort to eliminate areas where residents lack consistent access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables.
With 50 store locations in operation, 120,000 Kansas City residents have access to high-quality fruits and vegetables within a half-mile from their homes. In 2024, we hope to expand to 75 store locations inside of Kansas City's urban core!
500,000+ pounds of produce diverted from the landfill!
Over 40% of the produce we sort feeds those with immediate need in our community, for free. Through our network of 21 partners and their networks, over 65+ food banks and pantries are stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. Donation partners include, Catholic Charities, Jewish Vocational Services, and University Health among many others.
$40,000 reinvested into the community through
our revenue share with store owners!
Our flagship program, Healthy Corner Stores, partners with gas stations and convenience stores to sell fresh, affordable, and high quality food inside their existing operations. All produce is sold on consignment which means zero risk to store owners, while Kanbe's Markets sets all prices to maintain affordability for our customers.
200,000 times this year someone chose
Kanbe's Markets as their grocer.
As small, locally owned grocery stores continue to close, residents must travel farther to ensure their refrigerators remain stocked. Kanbe's Markets strives to restore grocery options inside neighborhoods. Every purchase from a Kanbe's Markets cooler is a time someone didn't have to leave their neighborhood to shop.
Kanbe's Receives First Public Funding from State Senator Barbara Washington - 2023 marks the first year in Kanbe's history where we've been awarded state funding. Being selected as a recipient of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a testament of how critical the work being done is for our Kansas City community. This funding will play a crucial role in enhancing our warehouse operations and be instrumental in the installation of Healthy Corner Store coolers, enabling us to do even more!
Veterans Community Project Holiday Commissary -Kanbe's has partnered with Veterans Community Project (VCP) to continuously stock a cooler on their campus with fresh produce. Once a month VCP offers an expanded version of this program, known as Commissary Day, where vets from across the metro can come get fresh food. This November we were honored to help facilitate the delivery of 50 turkeys, 50 hams, pies and rolls to 175 veterans in Kansas City! Celebrating a heartwarming collaboration with our community partners at Kansas City's Veterans Community Project.
Whole Cities Awards Kanbe's Markets Community First Grant - In our second year of receiving support from Whole Foods and Whole Cities, Kanbe's Markets expresses deep appreciation. Their generous funding enables us to provide fresh produce to a Healthy Corner Store location for an entire year, furthering our mission to foster healthier communities. We are grateful for Whole Foods' steadfast commitment to supporting our efforts in promoting access to nutritious food. Learn more about Whole Cities Foundation!
HCA Healthcare Foundation awards Kanbe's Markets with The Healthier Tomorrow Fund Grant - The city's largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health, and their foundation has granted $25,000 to support Kanbe's Markets. A check presentation and volunteer event was organized at our warehouse, on December 19th. 40 dedicated volunteers actively supported this initiative, redirecting an impressive 3,387 pounds of produce during the sorting event. This funding will help support our ongoing mission to combat food insecurity by delivering fresh produce to areas lacking access. The collaboration emphasizes a collective commitment to building a healthier and more resilient community, ensuring immediate relief and fostering positive, long-term impacts on the well-being of the communities served. Watch media coverage here!
Victor E. Speas Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, partners with Kanbe's Markets to fight food insecurity - This is the second year the Victor E Speas foundation has selected Kanbe's Markets as a beneficiary and contributes to the foundation's legacy of promoting quality human services facing severe hardship.
2024 Kansas City Restaurant Week Beneficiary - Kanbe’s Markets is honored to be chosen as featured beneficiary for the upcoming year's 10 day event. Over 200 restaurants with special multi-course menus, all affordably priced, will participate and 10% of the proceeds for every meal sold will be routed to Kanbe’s to advance our mission! Kansas City Restaurant Week begins January 12th-21st! #KCRW2024
