What if we told you your support is already driving real progress in 2025? Because of you, fresh food is reaching more people every day. Together, weâre building a stronger, more connected communityâone where access to fresh, affordable food is right around the corner.
Already this year, your support has helped keep produce out of landfills, and fill corner stores and pantries with the food our neighbors deserve. While national cuts to programs like TEFAP and SNAP are putting pressure on local efforts, together our commitment is helping us stay focused, adaptable, and moving forward.
The need is realâbut so is the hope. And you're helping make it happen.
See what weâve accomplished so far this quarterâand whatâs aheadâthanks to you.
From Vision to Action: Progress Toward Our 2025 Goals
We are on track to redirect 1.25 million pounds of produce this year â getting even more food into the hands of our Hunger Relief Partners to provide access to fresh food, while reducing waste.
We are in year 3 of our Growth Campaign, expanding our network from 75 to 130 fresh food access store partners across KCMO and KCKS.
Building relationships with new non-profit organizations to fight hunger inside food pantries, shelters and kitchen from 35 to 45 Hunger Relief Partners.
Launch a Store Navigators program to help connect individuals and fresh, affordable produce in their neighborhoods!
Thanks to You: 350,000 Pounds of Fresh Food Saved from Landfills
Thanks to our amazing volunteers, weâve already redirected over 350,000 pounds of fresh produceâthatâs about the weight of a blue whaleđ! Over 350,000 pounds of fresh food is now nourishing communities instead of going to waste.
One fruit, one vegetable, one community at a time. While numbers are powerful, itâs the ripple effect that truly matters: a stronger food system, greater equity, and healthier communities benefit all of us.
Join us to help reach our 1.25 million pounds goalâexpanding food security where it matters most.
Weâve got big goalsâand with you by our side, weâll reach them.
New Store Partners = New Fresh Food Access Points!
With our first cooler installs of 2025 now live at three new partner stores along Prospect, weâre growing both our reach and our relationships. These new partnerships are bringing fresh produce closer to more than 19,000 neighborsâmaking fresh food not just available, but part of daily life.
Each new store is a trusted point of access, expanding our network and bringing us closer to our goal of 130 store partners this year.
Producing Real Results
Through our collaboration with Saint Lukeâs, our voucher program is already making a difference in peopleâs lives. Hereâs what participant's shared about their experience shopping at a Kanbe's cooler:
Did you know? If just 27 people joined today at $25/month, we could stock all 9 Saint Luke's voucher locations with cucumbers, lettuce, lemons, limes, oranges, and strawberries for an entire month.
Andres Chaurand, Director of Community Engagement A lifelong advocate for Kansas City communities, Andres brings a deep-rooted passion for grassroots engagement. From census outreach to vaccination initiatives, his work has always centered on equity and inclusion. With experience at the Guadalupe Center, United Way, and as a drummer in the activist-driven band Making Movies, Andres is committed to strengthening community bonds and expanding access to essential resources.
Risa Stanley, Senior Manager of Institutional & Individual Giving With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Risa Stanley has dedicated her career to building meaningful connections between donors, volunteers, and mission-driven organizations. Her expertise spans fundraising, digital marketing, and community engagement, empowering her to drive impact through both traditional and digital strategies. Passionate about food systems and sustainability, Risa has also co-directed the KC Food Circle and led digital strategy for several local food businesses.
We're excited to have them on board!If you see them around, give them a warm welcome!
A Home Run for Fresh Food!
Opening Day has come and gone, but weâre still celebrating a big win off the field! The Kansas City Royals Foundation stepped up to the plate by sponsoring one of our Healthy Corner Store coolers, helping expand access to fresh produce in neighborhoods across the city.
And if you love a good sports moment, donât miss this throwback to when we entered a friendly Super Bowl wager with Phillyâs Food Trust. Watch it here!⌠Sorrrry Max..
Ugly Never Looked So GoodâŚ
2025 is off to an incredible start with two unforgettable (and sold-out!) Ugly Dinners at Oil on Linen and Bar Medici. These evenings proved that "ugly" produce can transform into stunning, masterful dishes and cocktailsâall thanks to the creativity of some of Kansas Cityâs most talented chefs.
But the magic doesnât stop there. Weâve got SIX MORE Ugly Dinners lined up this year, and trust us, you wonât want to miss them. The only way to guarantee your seat at the table? Subscribe to our Ugly Dinner list. Be the first to know when tickets drop, and get exclusive early access before they sell out.
Our next Ugly Dinner is at Novel on April 30th from 6â9 pm. Tickets below!
